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The Supreme Court Bar Association Thursday terminated the temporary membership of Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who lobbed a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on October 6 during court proceedings, terming his action as “grave misconduct”.
This comes days after the Bar Council of India (BCI) ordered the suspension of the 71-year-old advocate from the practice of law. Kishore, who seemed remorseless over his actions, was also barred by BCI from appearing, pleading, or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority in India.
A show-cause notice was also issued to Kishore to explain why the action should not be continued, as BCI stated that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against him.
In a statement, the Bar Association said, “Such reprehensible, disorderly, and intemperate behaviour is utterly unbecoming of an officer of the Court and constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics, decorum, and the dignity of the Supreme Court of India”.
Also Read | Who is Rakesh Kishore, the lawyer who ‘threw a shoe’ at CJI Gavai
The Executive Committee of the Association found that the conduct “amounts to a direct assault on judicial independence, the sanctity of courtroom proceedings, and the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and trust between the Bar and the Bench”.
“The Executive Committee, having duly deliberated upon the incident and the gravity of such misconduct, is of the considered view that continuation of Mr. Rakesh Kishore as a temporary member of the SCBA would be wholly inconsistent with the dignity and discipline expected of the members of this Association,” said the statement.
“Now, therefore, it is hereby resolved that the membership of Advocate Mr. Rakesh Kishore, being a temporary member bearing No.K-01029/RES dated 27.07.2011, of the Supreme Court Bar Association, is terminated with immediate effect, and his name shall stand removed from the rolls of the Association.”
The statement said that communication will be sent to the SC secretary-general, requesting that the proximity access card issued to him be cancelled immediately.
The Committee also reiterated its unwavering commitment to uphold the dignity of the judiciary, the honour of the legal profession, and the constitutional values of respect, discipline, and independence that form the cornerstone of the justice delivery system.
A day after he allegedly threw a shoe at CJI B R Gavai inside the Supreme Court, Kishore claimed he was “instructed by divine powers to act”. Kishore told news agency ANI that he expressed “no regret”, also alleged he was hurt by the CJI’s response to a plea filed on September 16.
After questioning Kishore for three hours Monday, the Delhi Police allowed him to go after the apex court’s registrar general refused to press charges against him.
“The advocate claimed he 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,” a police source had said.
