Supreme Court Advocate Suspended By Bar Council Following Attack On CJI Gavai

Last Updated:October 06, 2025, 17:40 IST

The Bar Council of India suspended the SC advocate after his attack on CJI BR Gavai, following controversy over remarks on the Javari Temple Lord Vishnu idol plea.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai (Image: PTI file photo)

The Bar Council of India on Monday suspended Supreme Court advocate Rakesh Kishore following his attack on the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under the relevant legal provisions.

A show-cause notice will be issued, directing the advocate to respond within 15 days of receiving the order, explaining why the suspension should not be upheld and why no further action should be taken.

The suspension bars him from appearing, acting, pleading or practising in any court, tribunal or authority across the country.

The Bar Council of Delhi has been instructed to implement the order immediately, update the advocate’s status on its official rolls, and notify all courts and tribunals under its jurisdiction about the suspension.

The incident occurred when the CJI-led Bench was hearing the mention of cases by lawyers. While some witnesses said the lawyer tried to remove his shoe and throw it at the CJI after approaching the dais, some said he appeared to be hurling a roll of paper.

An unfazed Gavai, however, asked the lawyers to ignore the commotion and continue with their arguments. “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” he said.

The incident is believed to be connected to CJI Gavai’s remarks during a September 16 hearing, when the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Terming the plea “publicity interest litigation”, the court had turned down the petition, and CJI Gavai had noted: “This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.”

Following the controversy over his remarks, CJI Gavai clarified that he holds respect for all religions and said his comments had been misrepresented on social media.

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