Breaking: Shoe Thrown at Chief Justice of India, Lawyer Suspended in Shocking Supreme Court Incident
New Delhi – In an unprecedented and deeply concerning incident, advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings on Monday. The CJI remained composed and continued hearing cases, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of this shocking act. The Bar Council of India (BCI) swiftly responded by suspending Kishore with immediate effect, signaling the gravity with which the legal community views this breach of decorum. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to providing the latest updates as they emerge.
Details of the Incident: A Disruption in the Highest Court
The incident unfolded around 11:35 am while CJI Gavai was presiding over a bench. According to eyewitness accounts, including that of lawyer Anas Tanveer, Kishore, dressed in lawyer’s attire and carrying a black bag and rolled papers, made the attempt. Security personnel immediately intervened, apprehending Kishore and escorting him from the courtroom. During his removal, the accused reportedly shouted slogans referencing “Sanatan Dharma,” adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Despite the disruption, CJI Gavai insisted on continuing the hearing without allowing the incident to influence proceedings. He reportedly stated he was unaffected by the act and requested the continuation of debate without bias. This display of composure underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, even under duress.
Immediate Aftermath: Suspension and Condemnation
The BCI, led by President Manan Kumar Mishra, acted decisively, issuing both a suspension order and a show cause notice to Kishore. The suspension prohibits him from practicing law in any court or tribunal across the country. Kishore has 15 days to respond to the notice, explaining why the suspension should not be permanent. The BCI has also initiated disciplinary proceedings and alerted all High Courts and Tribunals to his suspension.
The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocate on Record Association have issued strong condemnations of the incident. The associations emphasized the vital relationship between the bar and the bench, highlighting that any attempt to undermine this bond weakens the entire justice system. The Supreme Court Advocate on Record Association has even requested the court to consider initiating contempt of court proceedings.
The Broader Context: Security and Decorum in Indian Courts
While isolated, this incident raises critical questions about security protocols within the Supreme Court and the potential for escalating disruptions in legal proceedings. Historically, Indian courts have maintained a relatively high level of decorum, but increasing polarization and the rise of extremist ideologies present new challenges. This event serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and robust security measures to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
The concept of ‘contempt of court’ in India, derived from Article 129 and 147 of the Constitution, is designed to safeguard the judiciary’s authority and independence. Acts like attempting to intimidate or disrupt court proceedings can be deemed contemptuous, potentially leading to penalties including fines or imprisonment. The court’s potential consideration of contempt proceedings in this case underscores the seriousness with which such actions are viewed.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus remains on the investigation into Kishore’s motives and the potential legal ramifications of his actions. The BCI’s disciplinary proceedings will likely be thorough, and the court will determine whether to pursue contempt charges. Beyond the immediate case, this incident will undoubtedly prompt a review of security arrangements within the Supreme Court and a renewed emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of judicial proceedings. Archyde.com will continue to follow this story closely, providing updates and insightful analysis as it unfolds. Stay tuned for further developments and expert commentary on this critical issue impacting the Indian legal landscape.
Jagran Bureau, New Delhi