Attack on CJI BR Gavai: Bar Council of India suspends advocate Rakesh Kishore

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore from law practice with immediate effect after he attempted to attack Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai in open court on Monday.

According to an interim order passed by BCI, Kishore, who is enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, allegedly removed his sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards CJI Gavai during court proceedings, before he was detained by security personnel and removed from the court room.

The interim suspension order issued by BCI under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette, was signed by BCI Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra.

During the period of suspension, Kishore will stand debarred from appearing, acting, pleading or practising before any court, tribunal or authority in India.

The Bar Council of Delhi has been directed to ensure immediate compliance by updating Kishore’s status on its rolls and notifying all courts and tribunals under its jurisdiction. The registries of the Supreme Court, all High Courts and District Courts have been asked to circulate the order to filing and appearance counters and to all concerned Bar Associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association.

The drama in court unfolded on Monday morning during mentioning of cases.

According to sources present in court, Kishore went near the dais and attempted to remove his shoe and throw it at the judge.

However, security personnel present in court intervened in the nick of time and escorted the lawyer out.

While walking out, the lawyer was heard saying,

"Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge.

The incident was possibly sparked by CJI Gavai's comments in a previous caserelated to the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. While dismissing that case, he had said,

“Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission etc."

The observation had caused a furore on social media, with many accusing the CJI of hurting religious sentiments. Addressing the controversy in open court two days later, CJI Gavai said that he meant no disrespect.

"I respect all religions...This happened on social media," he said.

[Read BCI order]