Lawyer Rakesh Kishore who threw shoe at ex-CJI BR Gavai attacked with slippers in Delhi court

Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who hurled a show towards former Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, was attacked in a similar manner on Tuesday by unidentified persons who tried to beat him with slippers at the Karkardooma Court complex in Delhi.

A video of the incident is circulating on social media and is being widely shared across multiple platforms.

The clip shows some people attempting to hit Kishore with slippers before others intervene. The footage does not clearly capture the faces of those involved, and their identities have not been established.

The Karkardooma Court complex sees significant daily footfall of lawyers, litigants and court staff. Details about how the incident unfolded within the premises, including whether any security personnel were present at the time, have not yet been confirmed.

The purpose of the attack is also unclear, as no group or individual has so far claimed responsibility and no official explanation has been issued by authorities.

Kishore came to the limelight on October 6 when he threw a shoe towards former CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the CJI court of the Supreme Court.

Security personnel were swift to intervene and remove him from the courtroom.

During the incident, Kishore raised slogans referring to the protection of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). His outburst was reportedly linked to comments made by CJI Gavai during a hearing concerning the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho.

In that matter, Justice Gavai had remarked that those aggrieved could seek answers from the deity, prompting criticism from the lawyer.

Further, CJI Gavai, while touring Mauritius, had made comments against bulldozer demolitions in India and spoke of how the Court had passed an order staying the same. Kishore was critical of the CJI's comments on this issue and this had apparently provoked him to throw his shoe at the CJI.

Following the shoe-throwing attempt, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s licence to practise law with immediate effect and announced that disciplinary proceedings would follow. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also terminated his membership.

Subsequently, the Attorney General for India granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against him.

However, at a subsequent hearing of the contempt case, a Supreme Court Bench indicated that the Court was not inclined to continue with the contempt action against Kishore, but said that it could look into evolving safeguards to prevent such incidents in future.

Neither the district Bar association nor the Bar Council of India has issued a public statement on Tuesday's incident so far.

It is also not known whether Kishore intends to file a police complaint or pursue any formal action in connection with the incident.