AG’s nod sought to initiate contempt action against Rakesh Kishore for trying to hurl shoe at CJI

New Delhi: A Supreme Court advocate has filed an application before Attorney General R Venkataramani seeking his permission to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore for "contemptuous act" of making an unsuccessful attempt to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on October 6.

"There is clear case of scandalizing and lowering of authority of the Supreme Court by interfering and obstructing with the administration of justice, by removed his shoes and attempted to hurl it towards the Chief Justice of India during ongoing court proceedings with shouting slogans against him," a plea by Advocate on Record Subhash Chandran K R.

His application contended that it was pertinent to mention that even after the incident of October 6, the contemnor continued his derogatory and most contemptuous remarks against the Supreme Court and Chief Justice through various media and social media platforms, where he said that he feels ‘no remorse’ for his actions.

"The conduct and continuous actions of the contemnor are acts of criminal contempt of court, punishable under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971," his plea claimed.

He sought a consent to him to approach the Supreme Court to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against the contemnor lawyer, who stood suspended by the Bar Council of India after the incident.

While condemning the incident, the SCOARA also sought suo motu contempt action against the lawyer as "the act/gesture is a calculated move to scandalise the authority of the Supreme Court."

71-year-old Kishore, who made the failed attempt to throw shoes on the CJI during the court proceedings, sought to justify his acts claiming he was deeply hurt by remarks made in Lord Vishnu idol case last month.

"The CJI should think that when he is sitting on such a high constitutional post, he should understand the meaning of 'Milord' and uphold its dignity. You go to Mauritius and say that the country will not run with a bulldozer," he told a news agency.

He said he was deeply hurt as on September 16, a PIL was filed by an individual in the Chief Justice’s court.

"Justice Gavai completely mocked it. Mockery in the sense that he said, 'Go pray to the idol, ask the idol to restore its own head',” Kishore said.

He claimed his actions were not driven by intoxication or impulse but by “emotional distress”.

The lawyer also questioned the Bar Council of India's decision to suspend his licence with immediate effect, saying it was a violation of the natural justice.