SCOARA Urges Supreme Court to Take Suo Motu Contempt Action Against Advocate for Disrespectful Gesture Towards CJI BR Gavai

New Delhi – In a strongly worded resolution, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCOARA) has condemned the recent "unwarranted and intemperate gesture" by an advocate that targeted the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai and his companion judges, calling it a "cowardly and disrespectful act" that undermines the judiciary's independence. The association has urged the Supreme Court to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings to safeguard the institution's dignity.

The incident unfolded during a routine Supreme Court hearing on October 6, when an unidentified advocate, in a moment of apparent frustration, attempted to throw an object (shoe) towards the bench presided over by CJI Justice BR Gavai.

The Delhi Police stated that the advocate, identified as Rakesh Kishore, took out his sports shoes and threw them at CJI Gavai at around 11:35 am, during the proceedings in Court No 1. He was handed over to the security unit of the Supreme Court. He is a resident of the Mayur Vihar area and a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. CJI Gavai appeared unruffled, and asked lawyers to continue the proceedings, asserting, “Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.”

While being taken out of the court, the man reportedly said, “Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan”.

During the initial investigation, it came to the fore that the advocate was unhappy with the CJI’s remarks during a recent hearing of a plea seeking the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Eyewitnesses and court observers described the act as a shocking breach of protocol, with the gesture narrowly missing the judges but causing immediate disruption in the courtroom. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the advocate out, but not before the episode drew widespread condemnation from legal circles for its blatant disrespect to the highest judicial office.

This event comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny on courtroom decorum in India's top court, where recent cases have highlighted tensions between the bar and the bench. Justice BR Gavai, who assumed the role of CJI earlier in 2025 following the retirement of his predecessor, has been a vocal proponent of maintaining institutional integrity and has presided over several landmark cases involving constitutional matters.

In its unanimous resolution, signed by Honorary Secretary Nikal Jain, SCOARA expressed "deep anguish and disapproval" over the advocate's conduct, stating that it "strikes at the very foundation of mutual respect that sustains the relationship between the Bench and the Bar." The association emphasized that such behavior is "antithetical to the dignity of the legal profession" and constitutes a "direct assault on the independence of the judiciary," potentially eroding public faith in the justice system.

SCOARA further reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional values like secularism, unity, and fraternity, calling on all lawyers to uphold professional decorum and avoid "divisive conduct." The resolution explicitly recommended that the Supreme Court take suo motu cognizance of the matter, arguing that the act was a "calculated move to scandalise the authority of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and lower its dignity in the eyes of the public." It added that while freedom of speech is "sacrosanct," it imposes a "duty of restraint" on members of the bar, who serve as officers of the court.

The association stood in "complete solidarity" with CJI Gavai and the entire judiciary, vowing to preserve the "majesty, independence, and impartiality" of the Supreme Court. Legal experts have echoed SCOARA's sentiments, noting that contempt proceedings could serve as a deterrent against similar future incidents, especially in an era of increasing polarization.

Bhim Army Chief and Nagina MP ChandraShekhar Azad condemned the incident strongly. Sharing his views on X, the parliamentarian stated, " This is not merely an attack on the judicial system, but also a symbol of casteism and intolerance. It is essential to understand that when an assault occurs on the security and dignity of a person seated at the highest forum of justice, it is an attempt to weaken the entire judicial system. Such actions are not only reprehensible, but they are also indicators that the tendency to express dissent through indecency and violence is increasing in society — which is extremely dangerous for any democracy. We strongly condemn this heinous act and demand from that a case be registered against the accused under the strictest sections for sedition and violation of judicial dignity. Any attack on the independence of the judiciary is an attack on the soul of the nation — and it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."