SC bench told social media “going berserk” over attack on CJI, Bar suspends advocate’s license
Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi: DD, The Attorney General of India has given his consent to initiate contempt proceedings against advocate Rakesh Kishore, who created a stir by throwing a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai earlier this month. The development was brought to the notice of the Supreme Court on Thursday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh requested a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi to take up the contempt plea against Kishore at the earliest.
They argued that the October 6 incident had caused outrage across the country, with social media “going berserk” and posting demeaning remarks that undermine the dignity of the institution. Both urged the court to issue restrictions on online commentary to prevent further damage.
The bench, while noting that the right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, cautioned that it cannot come at the expense of institutional integrity.
“We are both product and consumer of unregulated social media content,” the judges remarked, highlighting the adverse effects of unchecked online discourse. However, the court indicated reluctance to list the matter urgently, observing, “Let’s see if some saleable points are still left after a week.”
On October 6, in a rare breach of courtroom decorum, the 71-year-old advocate hurled a shoe at the CJI during proceedings. The Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishore’s license. Remarkably, CJI Gavai stayed calm throughout, directing security to “ignore” the incident and let the lawyer off with a warning. The matter is now poised for contempt proceedings following the Attorney General’s approval. (KNC)
