Attorney General Approves Contempt Action Against Lawyer for Shoe Attack on CJI

In a significant legal development, Attorney General R. Venkataramani has granted consent for initiating criminal contempt proceedings against senior Supreme Court lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside the courtroom last week.

In his consent letter, the Attorney General remarked that the 71-year-old advocate’s conduct was “not only scandalous but also calculated to demean the Supreme Court.” The rare approval underscores the gravity of the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation from the legal fraternity.

The matter will be taken up after the Diwali break by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi, who scheduled the consideration of the contempt plea during Thursday’s proceedings.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta jointly mentioned the case, expressing concerns over the reputational damage caused to the judiciary.

Singh noted that the act had gained “significant traction” online, saying it was “causing damage to the institution.” Solicitor General Mehta echoed these sentiments, warning against how social media was being used to justify the incident, and called it a matter of institutional integrity.

Both senior lawyers urged the Supreme Court to restrain the glorification of such acts on social media, noting that several demeaning comments were being circulated.

However, Justice Surya Kant questioned the need to pursue the matter further, observing that the Chief Justice himself had already “let it go.”

“The CJI has been extremely magnanimous. That shows the institution is not affected by these kinds of incidents,” Justice Surya Kant said.

Singh disagreed, arguing that such actions must not be normalized or spiritually justified, remarking,

“Some people say Lord Vishnu will justify it. Lord Vishnu will never justify this kind of violence. It is an insult to Lord Vishnu also.”

Justice Surya Kant responded by emphasizing restraint:

“Violence can never be promoted. But the moment you initiate this kind of proceeding, it will become episode number two.”

The bench also pointed out the need to prioritize more pressing matters, questioning whether taking up the case would divert valuable judicial time.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association expelled Rakesh Kishore, revoked his entry pass, and barred him from entering the court premises.

The attempted attack occurred nearly a month after CJI Gavai’s controversial remark — “go and ask the deity itself” — made during a hearing related to the restoration of a damaged Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh, which had sparked outrage among some sections.

Kishore, reportedly claiming that his act was a “reaction to the Chief Justice’s actions,” is now facing the prospect of criminal contempt proceedings for conduct that the Attorney General deemed an affront to the dignity of India’s highest court.