New Delhi, November 12, 2025 — The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a strong condemnation of the incident in which an advocate attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai, describing such acts as a direct assault on the dignity and majesty of the judiciary. The bench emphasized that attacks of this nature do not merely affect an individual but strike at the institution itself, necessitating unequivocal censure and appropriate corrective measures.

The observations were made while hearing a petition filed by advocate Tejasvi Mohan, seeking directions for the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to remove videos of the incident that were widely circulated on social media. Mohan argued that the dissemination of such material further undermined the authority and respect due to the apex judiciary.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted, “It tends to penetrate the majesty of the court…. We share your concerns. It has not hurt members of the Bar but the bench as well. It is not about an individual, but the institutions. If such an incident is happening in society, it needs not only to be deprecated but certain appropriate measures need to be taken.”

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, informed the court that although the petition was maintainable before the Delhi High Court, it would be more appropriately heard by the Supreme Court. He pointed out that a bench led by Justice Surya Kant was already considering a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking contempt proceedings against the 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore, who was responsible for the shoe-hurling attempt.

Sharma further explained that while the Supreme Court had shown reluctance to initiate formal contempt proceedings, it had instructed the SCBA president and the Solicitor General to propose broader institutional safeguards aimed at preventing similar incidents, rather than pursuing punitive measures immediately.

The Delhi High Court acknowledged the submissions and observed that while it had no objection to issuing directions, it would be more appropriate for the petitioner to seek intervention in the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings. The bench added that directions could be issued if the apex court declined the petitioner’s intervention. Mohan agreed to approach the Supreme Court accordingly. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 4.

The incident itself took place on October 6, 2025, during court proceedings before CJI Gavai’s bench. Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who has since been suspended, abruptly approached the dais and attempted to remove his shoe with the apparent intent to throw it at the Chief Justice. Security personnel quickly restrained him, and he was escorted out of the courtroom while shouting, “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge (We will not tolerate any insult to Sanatan).”

Remarkably, CJI Gavai remained composed throughout the incident. He resumed proceedings without interruption and later publicly stated, “Don’t get distracted by all this. These things do not affect me.” He expressed a willingness to let the matter rest, referring to it as “a forgotten chapter,” and chose not to press charges against Kishore.

Nevertheless, the act drew widespread condemnation from the legal community. Members of the Bar described the incident as an affront to the dignity and authority of the judiciary. On October 8, a Supreme Court lawyer wrote to the Attorney General seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings, emphasizing that such behavior diminishes the majesty and authority of the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Bar Council of India suspended Kishore’s license to practice law, and the SCBA revoked his temporary membership and access to court premises.

In his public remarks on October 9, CJI Gavai reiterated his decision to move past the incident, describing it as a “forgotten chapter.” He acknowledged that both he and his fellow judges were initially shocked by the event. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, however, cautioned against ignoring the seriousness of the act, stating that it was a direct affront to the institution of the judiciary and that the office of the Chief Justice should not be treated lightly. Justice K. Vinod Chandran echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for vigilance to protect the integrity of judicial institutions.

The Delhi High Court’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining respect for the judiciary, especially for its highest offices. The court emphasized that while individual officers can choose to forgive or move on, society and institutions must uphold standards that protect the authority and majesty of the judicial system.

This episode has sparked broader discussions on courtroom security and the dissemination of sensitive material on social media. The petition filed by advocate Tejasvi Mohan reflects growing concern over how viral content can amplify incidents that threaten institutional authority, making it imperative for courts and government bodies to develop mechanisms to safeguard both the physical security of judges and the reputation of the judiciary.

The upcoming hearing in December is expected to determine whether the petitioner will be allowed to intervene in the Supreme Court proceedings and if any additional directives will be issued to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the case continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the need for vigilance, respect, and procedural safeguards within India’s legal system.