Can Contempt Proceedings Continue After CJI’s Pardon In Shoe-Hurling Incident?: SC Asks SCBA

The Supreme Court, while hearing a plea by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking contempt action against Advocate Rakesh Kishore for attempting to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai, questioned whether such proceedings could continue since the CJI had pardoned him.

The SCBA contended that despite being pardoned, Kishore had publicly glorified his conduct and vowed to repeat it, thereby warranting judicial intervention. The Bench, however, remarked that initiating contempt proceedings might only amplify his notoriety but agreed that preventive measures were necessary.

The Court stated it would consider framing guidelines to curb the glorification of contemptuous or violent acts targeting the judiciary.