The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear on Monday (October 27) the petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking criminal contempt proceedings against Advocate Rakesh Kishore for allegedly attempting to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) during court proceedings on October 6.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi will take up the matter for consideration.
On October 16, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, the President of the SCBA, mentioned the issue before Justice Kant’s Bench, informing that the Attorney General for India had granted consent to initiate contempt proceedings. The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, also supported the plea on behalf of the institution.
However, the Bench expressed reservations about pursuing contempt action, noting that CJI BR Gavai himself had decided not to proceed against the advocate. The judges observed that the Court’s time might be better utilised for more pressing and substantive cases, suggesting that this incident might be allowed to fade away naturally.
Despite these observations, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh firmly argued that this matter concerns the dignity and honour of the institution itself. He highlighted that the accused continues to make public statements and media remarks justifying his act and that several social media accounts are glorifying the incident. In response, the SCBA has also sought a “John Doe” order to curb such objectionable and inflammatory online content.
🧾 Case Title: Supreme Court Bar Association v. Rakesh Kishore
Case No.: CONMT.PET.(Crl.) No. 1/2025
⸻
💬 Opinion by Adv. Sanjay Bishnoi
In my opinion, while the Hon’ble Chief Justice has shown extraordinary restraint and magnanimity by choosing not to pursue action personally, it is equally important that the institution of the judiciary must not appear vulnerable to acts that undermine its authority or decorum.
Every advocate is an officer of the court, and our foremost duty is to uphold its dignity. A single act of misconduct inside the courtroom can send a wrong signal to society and erode public faith in the judicial process. Whether or not contempt proceedings are ultimately pursued, the larger message must remain clear — the sanctity of the courtroom is non-negotiable.
The Bar and the Bench together form the foundation of justice. Their mutual respect and restraint are essential for maintaining the credibility of the entire legal system. It is through this cooperation and respect that we ensure justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
⸻
“Respect for the Court is respect for justice itself.”
– Adv. Sanjay Bishnoi, Sanjay Bishnoi & Associates
⸻
📍About the Author
Adv. Sanjay BishnoiLinkedin
Founder, Sanjay Bishnoi & Associates
Chamber No. 406 & 460, New Lawyers Chamber Complex, Click for Location
District and Sessions Court, Sirsa
Chamber No. 92, District and Sessions Court Fatehabad
