In a significant development, an advocate has formally sought the permission of Attorney General R Venkataramani to proceed with criminal contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore. The action is proposed due to an alleged attempt by Kishore to throw a shoe towards Chief Justice of India B R Gavai within the Supreme Court premises during a court session on Monday.
The incident, described as a shocking security breach, reportedly involved Kishore attempting to hurl a shoe at the CJI’s dais while shouting slogans such as “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge.” In response to the alleged misconduct, the Bar Council of India swiftly acted by suspending Kishore’s law license with immediate effect.
The advocate’s plea to the Attorney General was made under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. This provision allows for criminal contempt proceedings to be initiated by courts, or by any individual with the consent of the advocate general (for high courts) or the attorney general and solicitor general (for the Supreme Court).
The plea argues that Kishore’s actions, including attempting to throw a shoe and shouting slogans inside the courtroom, constitute a “gross interference with the administration of justice” and a deliberate effort to undermine the dignity of the Supreme Court. It further states that such behavior diminishes the majesty and authority of the court and challenges the very foundation of the Indian Constitution.
The letter also highlighted that Kishore, even after the incident, made critical remarks against the Chief Justice in media interactions, reportedly defending his actions instead of showing remorse. The advocate contends that this behavior clearly indicates an intent to scandalize the court and erode public trust in the judiciary.
This is not the first such plea; previously, the Mission Ambedkar founder had also approached the attorney general seeking consent for contempt proceedings against religious orator Aniruddhacharya alias Aniruddh Ram Tiwari and YouTuber Ajeet Bharati. These individuals were accused of inciting the attempted attack on the CJI.