SCBA Terminates Membership of Advocate Rakesh Kishore After Court Incident

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has taken decisive action against advocate Rakesh Kishore, terminating his temporary membership and prohibiting him from practising in the Supreme Court. This decision follows an incident where Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai during court proceedings. The SCBA condemned Kishore’s actions as “reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate,” leading to the cancellation of his membership card and revocation of his access to the court premises.

This incident occurred on October 24, 2023, and has sparked widespread concern regarding courtroom decorum and the conduct of legal professionals. The SCBA emphasized the importance of maintaining respect within the judicial system and stated that such behaviour undermines its integrity.

Kishore, who maintains that he has no political affiliations or criminal record, commented on his actions, attributing them to emotional distress. He expressed frustration over what he regards as repeated judicial interference in matters concerning Hindu religious practices. In his view, the comments made during proceedings were disrespectful towards a recent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) he was involved in. Despite the backlash, Kishore stated he felt no regret for his actions, positioning them as a necessary response to perceived injustices.

The SCBA’s swift decision reflects its commitment to upholding the standards of professionalism expected within legal circles. The association underscored that any conduct that disrupts court proceedings or disrespects judicial authority will not be tolerated. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from misconduct in a courtroom setting.

As the situation unfolds, the legal community will be closely monitoring the implications of this incident, particularly regarding the relationship between advocates and the judiciary. The SCBA’s response highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining decorum and respect in legal proceedings, an essential foundation for the functioning of justice.