SCBA Chief Vikas Singh Flags Institutional Affront: Supreme Court to Hear Contempt Case Over CJI Incident
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi,25, October,2025- In a matter that has stirred debate within the judicial corridors, the Supreme Court of India is set to hear a criminal contempt petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) against Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR. Gavai during court proceedings on October 6.The petition is scheduled to be hared on Monday 27-10-2025
The petition, instituted by SCBA President Mr. Vikas Singh, seeks initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against Mr. Kishore, citing the act as a grave affront to the dignity of the apex court. The matter is scheduled for hearing on October 27 before a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
Mr. Singh had earlier made an oral mentioning of the incident, apprising the Bench of the Attorney General R. Venkataramani’s consent to prosecute—a statutory prerequisite under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Interestingly, Justice Surya Kant had initially remarked that the incident was not worth judicial scrutiny and should be allowed to “die a natural death.” Echoing a similar sentiment, the CJI himself had dismissed the episode as “inconsequential” and a “forgotten chapter,” questioning whether valuable judicial time ought to be expended on such matters.
However, voices within the Supreme Court have expressed disquiet, viewing the act as a symbolic assault on the institution’s sanctity. Some members of the judiciary have opined that such conduct, if left unchecked, could erode public confidence in the administration of justice.
In a parallel disciplinary move, the Bar Council of India has issued an interim suspension order against Mr. Kishore, who is enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, pending further inquiry.
The upcoming hearing is expected to test the balance between judicial magnanimity and institutional integrity, as the Court weighs whether the act warrants penal consequences under its contempt jurisdiction.
