The Delhi High Court strongly condemned the recent incident where a lawyer hurled a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai in open court, terming such acts as deeply disturbing and calling for “appropriate preventive measures.”
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela made these observations while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to remove videos of the incident circulating across social media platforms. The petition was filed by Tejaswi Mohan, who urged the Court to issue guidelines ensuring that such objectionable content is taken down promptly.
During the proceedings, the counsel for the petitioner highlighted that the videos of the incident continued to circulate online. Responding to this, the Bench remarked “We share your concern, perhaps with even greater intensity. The incident has hurt not only the legal fraternity but the entire judicial institution. It is not about an individual; such acts must not only be condemned but also met with effective corrective measures.”
Appearing for the Union Government, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the Bench that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had already moved the Supreme Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the lawyer involved. He suggested that, given the pendency of the matter before the Apex Court, the petitioner may approach the Supreme Court instead.
Sharma further stated that the Supreme Court might consider issuing a John Doe order, a preventive direction against the circulation of offensive material, and could also frame guidelines to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
Taking note of the submission, the Chief Justice observed, “As per reports, the Supreme Court has already indicated its intention to consider passing a John Doe order and issuing preventive guidelines. You may, therefore, seek intervention in that matter before the Apex Court and apprise it of the present proceedings. This will also help avoid duplication.”
The Bench decided to keep the petition pending while allowing the petitioner to seek intervention before the Supreme Court in the related matter.
The case has been listed for further hearing on December 4, with the Court noting that it would revisit the issue depending on the outcome of the proceedings before the Apex Court.
Notably, a week after the incident, Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Advocate Rakesh Kishore, the lawyer accused of throwing the shoe.
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