AG Approves Contempt Action Over Shoe Incident Against CJI Gavai
Attorney General R. Venkataramani has granted permission to launch criminal contempt proceedings against advocate Rakesh Kishore for attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court.
Court informed and request made
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh informed a bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi that they would seek the matter be listed for hearing. They also requested a “John Doe” order to restrain social media posts glorifying the incident.
Court’s caution over reviving issue
The bench questioned whether reviving the incident would serve any purpose, noting that the Chief Justice himself had chosen not to pursue punitive action. Justices expressed concern that further proceedings might fuel social media attention rather than uphold institutional dignity.
Background to the incident
On October 6, during a hearing concerning a Vishnu idol restoration petition, Kishore allegedly removed a shoe and attempted to throw it at the CJI, shouting slogans. Security intervened before the act could complete. The Bar Council of India has suspended Kishore’s license, and disciplinary proceedings are underway.
Debate on social media and institutional integrity
Proponents of the contempt motion argue that ongoing online discourse celebrating or vilifying the act threatens the respect and authority of the judiciary. The court, however, remains wary of stirring renewed controversy.
