An advocate has sought the consent of Attorney General R Venkataramani to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore for attempting to throw a shoe at CJI B R Gavai inside the courtroom on Monday.
The 71-year-old Kishore reportedly shouted “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (“will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma”) before attempting to hurl a shoe towards the CJI’s dais, in what has been described as a serious breach of courtroom security.
The incident, which took place during ongoing proceedings, sparked widespread condemnation across the legal fraternity.
The Bar Council of India acted swiftly, announcing Kishore’s immediate suspension from legal practice pending further disciplinary proceedings.
Plea Seeks Criminal Contempt Proceedings
In his letter addressed to the Attorney General, advocate Subhash Chandran sought consent under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, to initiate criminal contempt proceedings. The provision allows the Supreme Court or high courts to act on their own motion if they witness contempt or to permit third parties to initiate action with the consent of the Attorney General or Solicitor General (for the Supreme Court) or the Advocate General (for high courts).
Chandran’s plea argues that Kishore’s actions inside the courtroom constitute a “gross interference with the administration of justice” and a “deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of the Supreme Court.”
“The most contemptuous act of the contemnor diminishes the majesty and authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and defeats the Constitution of India,” the letter stated.
The letter further notes that even after the incident, Kishore continued to make disparaging remarks about the Chief Justice during media interactions, showing no remorse and instead defending his conduct. Chandran argued that such behaviour “reflects a clear intention to scandalise the court and erode public confidence in the judiciary.”
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