The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has terminated the temporary membership of advocate Rakesh Kishore with immediate effect, citing “grave misconduct.” This disciplinary step follows Kishore’s shocking act of throwing a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court premises — an unprecedented act that triggered the Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination.
In its official resolution, the SCBA stated that such “reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate behaviour” was unbecoming of a lawyer and inconsistent with the dignity of the legal profession. The association announced that Kishore’s name would be removed from its rolls and that his membership card, if issued, stands cancelled and forfeited. The Secretary-General of the Supreme Court has also been instructed to revoke Kishore’s proximity access card immediately — making the Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination official.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) followed suit, suspending Kishore’s license to practice. Meanwhile, criminal contempt proceedings are reportedly being considered against the 71-year-old advocate, with a letter already sent to the Attorney General seeking approval to initiate legal action.
Kishore, however, has refused to apologise. Speaking to ANI, he claimed that his actions were not driven by anger but by “emotional pain” over what he alleged to be repeated judicial interference in Hindu religious matters. He maintained that he has no political affiliations or criminal record, even as the Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination drew nationwide attention.
The attack on CJI BR Gavai has been widely condemned by leaders across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the act, saying, “There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai.”
Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2025
I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice…
Political parties including the BJP, Congress, CPI, NCP-SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and DMK labelled the incident “an assault on the Constitution,” expressing concern over the rising intolerance towards judicial institutions. The Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination now stands as a firm message against misconduct within the legal fraternity.
FAQs
Q: Why was Rakesh Kishore’s SCBA membership terminated?
A: The Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination occurred after he threw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court.
Q: Has the Bar Council of India taken action against him?
A: Yes, following the Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination, the Bar Council suspended his licence to practise law.
Q: What did PM Modi say about the incident?
A: PM Modi called the attack reprehensible and praised CJI Gavai’s composure during the situation.
Q: Did Rakesh Kishore express any regret?
A: Despite the Rakesh Kishore SCBA membership termination, Kishore said he acted out of emotional distress and expressed no remorse.
