Lawyer, Who Hurled Shoe At CJI, Barred From Practising In Supreme Court

Lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who had attacked Chief Justice of India BR Gavai by hurling a shoe at him, has been barred from practising in the Supreme Court.A resolution by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) declared that Kishore, a temporary member holding No. K-01029/RES dated 27.07.2011, “is terminated with immediate effect, and his name shall be removed from the rolls of the Association.”The resolution, which was passed unanimously, described Kishore's conduct as "reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate behaviour," noting that it was unbecoming of an officer of the court and fell short of the discipline expected from members of the Bar.It also stated that Kishore's SCBA membership card, if issued, "stands cancelled and forfeited forthwith,"

and confirmed that a communication would be sent to the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court to cancel his proximity access card immediately.

What Triggered Rakesh Kishore's Attack On CJI

In a shocking security breach, Kishore, 71, hurled a shoe towards the CJI during a hearing on Monday, October 6, and was heard shouting "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge" (will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).The incident may have been triggered by CJI Gavai's remarks in a previous case concerning the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho. While dismissing that case, he 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."

Lawyer Unapologetic

Kishore, however, remained unapologetic for his behaviour. In an interview to news agency ANI, he said, "The almighty made me do it. I am neither going to apologise, nor do I regret it. I have not done anything; you are questioning me.""I very much respect the judiciary and the Chief Justice of India, whoever he is,” the lawyer said, adding, "But on September 16, when Mr. Gavai, during a PIL hearing, said something against my God Vishnu’s idol in Khajuraho, I was deeply hurt. I have visited that temple many times and felt pained that the invaders had beheaded the idol. When he said, ‘You are a worshipper of Vishnu, go and pray to your God to refurbish the head,’ I felt a joke was made of Sanatan Dharma," Kishore said.Kishore told Times Now that "he has utmost respect for the judiciary," adding that his religious sentiment was "hurt".

CJI Unfazed After Incident

The CJI, however, remained unfazed by the incident. "Don't get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me," he told lawyers in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and continued the hearing.Kishore, a resident of Mayur Vihar in New Delhi, was questioned for three hours by Delhi police officials inside the apex court premises and was later allowed to go at 2 PM as no formal complaint was lodged.(With inputs from PTI)