New Delhi, Oct 16: The Attorney General has granted consent to initiate contempt proceedings against advocate Rakesh Kishore, who hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on October 6, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) chief Vikas Singh urging action against Kishore. Singh highlighted that social media has erupted following the incident, with posts undermining the integrity and dignity of the judiciary.
Mehta and Singh requested the court to restrain demeaning social media commentary, emphasizing the need to uphold institutional respect. The bench observed that freedom of speech is not absolute and cannot compromise the dignity of others. Commenting on the dangers of unregulated social media, the judges noted, “We are both product and consumer” of its content.
While approving the initiation of contempt action, the bench declined to list the case immediately, stating it would first examine whether any substantive issues remain to be addressed after a week.
During the October 6 incident, 71-year old Kishore threw a shoe at the CJI in a major security lapse. The Chief Justice remained composed, instructing court staff to ignore the act. Following the episode, the Bar Council of India promptly suspended Kishore’s license to practice law.