October 6, 2025, will be remembered as an unexpected day in the judicial history of India. The Supreme Court of India witnessed a shocking incident when an advocate attempted to throw a shoe at CJI B R Gavai (Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai).
This act not only challenged the dignity of the nation’s highest court but also raised a disturbing question – when even the protectors of the law start expressing dissent in such ways, and when sections of society glorify such acts on social media, what does that say about the health of our democracy ?
The Incident: Shock Inside the Supreme Court
At around 11:35 a.m. on Monday morning, a regular hearing was underway in the Supreme Court. The bench included CJI B R Gavai, Justice P. S. Narasimha, and Justice Sanjay Karol.
During the hearing, a 71-year-old senior advocate named Rakesh Kishore entered the courtroom carrying a black bag and some documents. Suddenly, he removed his shoe and attempted to throw it in the direction of CJI B R Gavai. However, the court’s security personnel acted swiftly and restrained him immediately.
As he was being escorted out of the courtroom, the man started shouting slogans “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan!”
For a few moments, chaos spread inside the courtroom. But CJI B R Gavai remained completely calm. Without showing any anger or panic, he continued the proceedings – sending a strong message that the dignity of the judiciary must be maintained under all circumstances.
It was not the first time a court had witnessed indiscipline, but an attack on the Chief Justice himself marked a new and disturbing low.
Bar Council’s Swift Action – Advocate Suspended
Immediately after the incident, the Bar Council of India (BCI) condemned the act as a grave violation of courtroom decorum and professional ethics. Advocate Rakesh Kishore was suspended with immediate effect, and a show-cause notice was issued against him.
The BCI stated that the incident violated the Code of Conduct for advocates and tarnished the image of the entire legal fraternity. Following the suspension, Kishore was barred from appearing before any court or tribunal until he provides a satisfactory explanation for his actions.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also strongly condemned the act, stating: ”An attack on a judge is an attack on the independence of the judiciary itself. Such elements must be identified and dealt with strictly.”
However, the Supreme Court itself did not order any criminal action against the lawyer. Instead, it handled the matter with restraint and maturity – preserving the court’s dignity above all else.
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CJI B R Gavai’s Calm and Determined Response – A True Symbol of Judicial Dignity
Perhaps the most admirable aspect of the entire incident was CJI B R Gavai’s composed demeanor. Despite being the direct target, he neither expressed anger nor halted the hearing.
His calm response reflected the true character of a judge – someone who rises above personal emotions to uphold justice and the Constitution.
He conveyed a strong message : ”No obstacle can deter us from the path of justice.”
CJI Gavai emphasized that such incidents cannot distract the judiciary from its duty to uphold the Constitution and the law, no matter how strong the disagreement may be. He also directed the police and court staff to handle the matter peacefully without any harsh treatment – demonstrating not just leadership but humanity and sensitivity.
His response taught an important lesson: power and patience must go hand in hand. Where most people would have reacted with anger, he responded within the boundaries of law and dignity. This showed that India’s judiciary continues to rest in the hands of mature and compassionate leadership.
Social and Legal Analysis -The Dignity of the Judiciary and Civic Responsibility
The Indian Constitution places the judiciary among the most respected pillars of democracy. Courts are not only interpreters of law but also the guardians of moral and ethical values in society.
Hence, any violent or disrespectful act within the courtroom directly weakens public faith in the justice system.
This incident also highlights a growing concern — that some individuals now express disagreement through anger and theatrics instead of reasoning and dialogue. In a democracy, dissent should be expressed through discussion and debate, not violence or disrespect.
Under the Advocates Act, 1961, there are clear rules governing the behavior of lawyers in court. Any act of disrespect toward a judge is not just unethical but also punishable. Throwing a shoe is a direct violation of these professional standards and an insult to the noble profession of law.
Fortunately, institutions like the Bar Council of India acted swiftly, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the dignity of the judiciary.
But this event is not limited to the CJI or the courtroom – it’s a warning for all citizens. When we express disagreement through violence or insult, we weaken the very roots of democracy. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Disagreement is a sign of democracy – but disrespect and violence mark its downfall.
Today, in the age of social media, some people use controversy as a shortcut to fame. Shockingly, a few have even glorified the lawyer who threw the shoe, calling him a hero of “Sanatan Dharma,” while spreading hateful comments against CJI B R Gavai.
But they must realize — this is not patriotism; this is an act that weakens the nation and disrespects its institutions.
CJI B R Gavai – A True Symbol of Judicial Grace
Though the shoe-throwing incident was shameful and unacceptable, it also became a reminder of the strength, patience, and discipline that define India’s judiciary.
CJI B R Gavai’s composed and graceful response proved that the judiciary neither bows under pressure nor reacts impulsively to provocation.
The event stands as a lesson for every citizen: Even in disagreement, civility must prevail. Inside the temple of justice, only the dignity of the Constitution reigns supreme.
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