Delhi HC Condemns Shoe-Hurling Incident, Urges Institutions to Protect Judiciary's Dignity

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The Delhi High Court has strongly condemned the recent incident where an advocate attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai. The court emphasized that such acts undermine the majesty of the judiciary and require a united response from institutions. During a hearing on a petition seeking directions to remove videos of the incident from social media, the court observed that the act was not just an individual's behavior, but an attack on the institution as a whole. The bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the incident had not only hurt the bench but also the members of the bar. The court also acknowledged the Centre's submission that the matter should be heard by the Supreme Court, which is already considering contempt proceedings against the 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore. The Delhi High Court suggested that the petitioner, advocate Tejasvi Mohan, should intervene in the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings. The incident took place on October 6, when Kishore approached the dais during court proceedings and attempted to remove his shoe before being restrained by security personnel. Kishore was later suspended by the Bar Council of India, and his temporary membership and access to court premises were revoked by the SCBA. The Supreme Court has shown reluctance to initiate contempt proceedings, but has asked the SCBA president and the solicitor general to suggest broader institutional safeguards. The court will next hear the matter on December 4. The incident has sparked concerns about the need for institutions to protect the dignity of the judiciary. Several members of the Bar have called the act an affront to the institution, and the incident has been widely condemned by the legal community.