Rakesh Kishore is a 72-year-old Indian advocate who came into the national spotlight in October 2025 after a dramatic incident inside the Supreme Court of India. Born on September 10, 1954, in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, he built his career in law later in life, enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi in 2009 at the age of 55. Over the years, he became a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Shahdara Bar Association, and the Bar Council of Delhi.
Although not widely known in legal circles before, Kishore’s name became a subject of public debate when he attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai during court proceedings. He later explained that his actions were driven by anger over remarks related to a Lord Vishnu idol and a speech by the Chief Justice in Mauritius. Following the incident, the Bar Council of India suspended him from practising law, and the Delhi Police briefly detained him before releasing him without charges.
Early Life and Background
Rakesh was born on September 10, 1954, in Mayur Vihar, Phase 1, Delhi. Growing up in the capital city, he was surrounded by the political and cultural changes that defined post-independence India. His family background was rooted in middle-class values, with an emphasis on education and discipline. While details about his parents and siblings remain limited, reports suggest that his father worked in education administration, which may have influenced Kishore’s own academic pursuits.
Mayur Vihar, where Kishore was born and raised, was a developing residential area during his childhood. The neighbourhood was known for its cooperative housing societies and close-knit community life. Kishore’s early years in this environment shaped his sense of belonging and later played a role in his involvement with housing society disputes. Friends and acquaintances from his youth describe him as intelligent but also strong-willed, someone who did not shy away from expressing his opinions.
Rakesh Kishore – Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rakesh Kishore |
|---|---|
| Profession | Advocate |
| Known For | Shoe-throwing incident at Chief Justice of India (October 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 10 September 1954 (Friday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 72 Years |
| Birthplace | Mayur Vihar, Phase 1, Delhi, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mayur Vihar, Delhi, India |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Educational Qualifications | • M.Sc. (Medical Entomology, Banaras Hindu University) • L.L.B. • Ph.D. |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Family | Wife and children (names not publicly known) |
| Bar Enrollment | Enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi in 2009 (at age 55) |
| Memberships | • Supreme Court Bar Association • Shahdara Bar Association • Bar Council of Delhi |
| Controversies | • Suspended by Bar Council of India (October 2025) • Shoe-throwing incident at CJI Bhushan R. Gavai • Residents’ complaints during tenure as President of Riverview Apartments, Mayur Vihar |
| Legal Petitions | • Petition before Delhi Cooperative Tribunal (2021) on garbage tubes • Petition in Delhi High Court (2022) on fire safety certificate |
| Police Record | No prior criminal record; briefly detained in October 2025, released without charges |
| Current Status (2025) | Suspended advocate; facing disciplinary action by Bar Council of India |
Education and Academic Achievements
Kishore’s academic journey is notable for its diversity. He earned an M.Sc., followed by an L.L.B., and later a Ph.D. His M.Sc. was reportedly in Medical Entomology from Banaras Hindu University, a field that deals with insects and their impact on human health. This scientific background is unusual for someone who later pursued law, but it reflects his wide-ranging interests.
After completing his science degree, Kishore turned to law, earning an L.L.B. His decision to study law may have been influenced by his desire to engage with social issues and governance. However, he did not immediately enter the legal profession. Instead, he waited until 2009, when he was 55 years old, to enroll with the Bar Council of Delhi. This late entry into law is one of the unique aspects of his career. Kishore also pursued a Ph.D., though details about his research area remain limited.
Professional Journey as an Advocate
Rakesh Kishore’s entry into the legal profession was unusual. Unlike most advocates who begin their careers in their 20s or 30s, Kishore enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 2009, when he was already 55 years old. This late start raised eyebrows, but it also showed his determination to pursue law despite the delay. His enrollment gave him the right to practice in courts across India, and he soon became a registered member of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Over the years, Kishore became associated with several legal bodies. He was a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Shahdara Bar Association, and the Bar Council of Delhi. These memberships gave him access to important legal networks and allowed him to participate in professional activities. However, despite these affiliations, he was not widely known in the legal community until his recent controversies.
Personal Life and Family
Rakesh is married, though details about his wife and children remain private. Unlike many public figures, he has kept his family away from the spotlight. This privacy has made it difficult for the media to gather information about his personal relationships. What is clear, however, is that his family has had to deal with the consequences of his public controversies, especially after the October 2025 incident.
While there are no official statements from his family, it is reasonable to assume that the shoe-throwing incident and his suspension by the Bar Council of India would have caused them distress. Families of public figures often face scrutiny, even when they are not directly involved in controversies. In Kishore’s case, his family’s silence suggests a desire to stay away from the media glare.
Career Highlights and Legal Contributions
One of Kishore’s notable contributions was his petition before the Delhi Cooperative Tribunal in August 2021. As president of Riverview Apartments in Mayur Vihar, he filed a case against the society’s former president and secretary regarding the use of garbage tubes. However, the Tribunal dismissed the petition in June 2022, stating that it was no longer valid.
In another case, Kishore filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court, asking the court to direct the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to take action against mismanagement in a multi-storey complex. He argued that the complex had no fire safety certificate from 2004 to 2021, raising concerns about residents’ safety. This petition showed his willingness to take legal action on community issues, even if the outcomes were not always in his favour.
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Role as President of Riverview Apartments, Mayur Vihar
As president of Riverview Apartments, Kishore played an active role in managing the society’s affairs. His leadership was marked by legal disputes and petitions, which showed his determination to enforce rules. However, his style of leadership was not always welcomed by residents.
Residents of Riverview Apartments accused Kishore of being aggressive and difficult to work with. In November 2021, he was accused of assaulting a senior citizen, an allegation that further damaged his reputation. While no major legal action was taken against him in this case, the incident added to his image as a confrontational leader.
The October 2025 Shoe-Throwing Incident
On October 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of India witnessed a shocking and unprecedented event. During court proceedings, senior advocate Rakesh suddenly hurled his shoe toward Chief Justice of India, Bhushan R. Gavai. The act stunned everyone present in the courtroom. Security personnel quickly intervened, and the incident was reported across every major news outlet within minutes.
The courtroom, usually a place of discipline and respect, was thrown into chaos. Lawyers, clerks, and journalists present were left in disbelief. Many described the moment as surreal, something they never expected to see in the country’s highest court. The Chief Justice himself remained calm, but the act was immediately condemned by the legal fraternity.
Reasons Behind the Outburst
In interviews after the incident, Kishore explained that his anger was triggered by comments made by the Chief Justice regarding the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Kishore, a devout Hindu, felt that the remarks were dismissive of religious sentiments.
Another factor that fueled his anger was a speech delivered by the Chief Justice in Mauritius. In that speech, the Chief Justice emphasized that India’s legal system is based on the “rule of law, not the rule of a bulldozer.” Kishore interpreted this as a political statement and felt it undermined traditional values. His frustration boiled over, leading to the dramatic protest in court.
Suspension by the Bar Council of India (BCI)
The Bar Council of India acted swiftly. Within days, it suspended Kishore from practising law. The suspension order barred him from appearing, pleading, or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority in India. This was one of the strongest disciplinary measures taken against an advocate in recent years.
Along with the suspension, the BCI issued a show-cause notice to Kishore, asking him to explain why the suspension should not be made permanent. The notice also mentioned that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against him. This meant that his future in the legal profession was now uncertain.
Police Action and Legal Consequences
Following the shoe-throwing incident, Kishore was taken into custody by the Delhi Police. He was questioned for nearly three hours. During this time, the police confirmed that he had no prior criminal record. This fact surprised many, given his confrontational reputation in housing society disputes.
After questioning, Kishore was released. The decision not to press charges came from the Supreme Court’s registrar general, who did not wish to escalate the matter further. This decision was controversial, as some felt that leniency was shown because of his status as an advocate.
Public and Media Reactions
The incident dominated headlines for days. News channels replayed the footage, newspapers carried detailed reports, and social media was flooded with opinions. Some saw Kishore as a protester standing up for his beliefs, while others condemned him for disrespecting the judiciary.
Public opinion was divided. Supporters argued that Kishore’s actions reflected the frustration of ordinary citizens who feel unheard by the system. Critics, however, insisted that his behaviour was unacceptable and set a dangerous precedent. The debate highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and respect for institutions.
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