From Bar to Barricade: BCI Pulls the Plug on Advocate’s Career After Supreme Court Shoe Stunt

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

Delhi 6, October, 2025- In a dramatic and deeply unsettling turn of events, the sanctity of India’s highest judicial institution was jolted this morning when Advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice B.R. Gavai. The incident occurred during a routine court proceeding at the Supreme Court, sending ripples of disbelief through the legal fraternity and prompting immediate disciplinary action from the Bar Council of India (BCI).

“This interim order is issued under the Advocates Act, 1961 and Chapter II (Part VI) of the Bar Council of India Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette, particularly Section I, Rules 1, 2 and 3, which mandate that an advocate conduct himself with dignity and self-respect in court, maintain a respectful attitude towards courts, and refrain from illegal or improper means that may influence judicial proceedings.

On the basis of prima facie material, it appears that at about 11.35 a.m. on 6 October 2025, in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court of India, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi vide enrolment nos. D/1647/2009, removed your sports shoes and attempted to hurl them towards the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India during ongoing proceedings, whereupon you were detained by security. The conduct is, on the face of the record, inconsistent with the above-mentioned rules and the dignity of the court.

In view of the foregoing, you i.e. Advocate Rakesh Kishore is suspended from practice with immediate effect.”

The Incident

Eyewitnesses inside the courtroom described a moment of stunned silence as Kishore, known for his fiery courtroom demeanour, suddenly stood up and launched a shoe in the direction of the Chief Justice. Security personnel swiftly intervened, and the object missed its intended target. The courtroom was cleared, and Kishore was escorted out under heavy guard.

While the motive behind the act remains unclear, initial reports suggest it may have stemmed from personal grievances related to a recent judgment. Regardless of intent, the act was widely condemned as a grave breach of professional conduct and courtroom decorum.

 Immediate Suspension

Within hours of the incident, the Bar Council of India convened an emergency session. In a decisive move, BCI Chairman Mr. Mana Kumar Mishra issued an order suspending Advocate Rakesh Kishore’s license with immediate effect. The order explicitly states that during the suspension period, Kishore is barred from appearing, acting, pleading, or practicing before any court, tribunal, or authority across India.

“During the period of suspension, you are debarred from appearing, acting, pleading or practising in any court, tribunal or authority in India. Disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against you in accordance with law.”

The suspension is not merely symbolic—it carries teeth. The order mandates the initiation of further disciplinary proceedings, including the issuance of a show cause notice requiring Kishore to explain his conduct within 15 days.

“A show cause notice shall be issued to you to explain, within 15 days from service of this order, why this action should not be continued and such further orders as deemed appropriate be passed. The Bar Council of Delhi shall ensure immediate compliance, including updating the advocate’s status on its rolls and notifying all courts and tribunals within its jurisdiction of this suspension.”

 Compliance Protocols

The Bar Council of Delhi has been tasked with executing the suspension order. Their responsibilities include:

• Updating Kishore’s professional status in the official registry.
• Serving the suspension order to Kishore at his registered address and email.
• Filing a compliance report with the Bar Council of India within two days.

Additionally, Kishore himself is required to submit an affidavit of compliance within 48 hours of receiving the order. This affidavit must confirm that he has ceased all legal practice and appearances during the suspension period, and must be filed with both the Bar Council of Delhi and the Bar Council of India.

 A Moment of Reckoning

The legal community has responded with a mix of outrage and introspection. Senior advocates and jurists have emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity of the judiciary and maintaining professional ethics. “This is not just about one man’s misconduct,” said a retired Supreme Court judge. “It’s about reaffirming our collective commitment to the rule of law.”

As the disciplinary proceedings unfold, the case of Advocate Rakesh Kishore will likely serve as a cautionary tale—a reminder that the courtroom is a place of reasoned argument, not reckless aggression.

[Clickj here to read the BCI Order]