Was hurt…not inebriated: CJI Gavai shoe attacker Rakesh Kishore’s first reaction

October 7, 2025

New Delhi: Rakesh Kishore Kumar, the lawyer who hurled a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, has spoken out for the first time after the incident. He said, “I am hurt by the CJI’s statement about Lord Vishnu. This was my reaction to his actions. I was not drunk. I do not regret what happened, nor am I afraid of anyone.”

He added, “This same Chief Justice takes drastic steps when cases arise against many religions and people from other communities. For example, a particular community is occupying railway land in Haldwani. The Supreme Court issued a stay on that three years ago, which remains in place to this day.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Suspended Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl an object at CJI BR Gavai, says, “…I was hurt…I was not inebriated, this was my reaction to his action…I am not fearful. I don’t regret what happened.”

“A PIL was filed in the Court of CJI on 16th… pic.twitter.com/6h4S47NxMd

— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

Regarding this incident, SC Bar Association President Vikram Singh said, “The CJI’s comments in the Lord Vishnu idol case were misrepresented, making it appear as if the CJI insulted the deity. The lawyer did this to gain fame.”

Indeed, on the afternoon of September 8th, the CJI’s bench was hearing a case when the accused threw a shoe at the CJI. However, the shoe did not reach his bench. Security personnel immediately apprehended the lawyer.

Police released him after three hours of questioning; Bar suspended him

After detaining the shoe-throwing lawyer on Monday, police interrogated him for three hours on the Supreme Court campus. Police stated that SC officials had not filed any complaint in the matter. The lawyer was released after discussions with them.

Also Read this: Supreme Court: Lawyer tries to throw shoe at CJI Gavai; Escorted out by security

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has revoked the license of the accused lawyer, Rakesh Kishore Kumar. His registration dates back to 2011. The Bar Council of India (BCI) also immediately suspended the accused.

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued this order, stating that this constitutes a violation of the rules and regulations governing lawyers. During the suspension, Kishore will not be able to practice anywhere. A show-cause notice will also be issued within 15 days.