SC initiates process to frame pan-India safeguards after shoe-hurl incident in courtroom

The Supreme Court on Wednesday began the process of framing pan-India preventive guidelines to curb disruptions and security breaches inside court premises following the shoe-hurl attempt targeting former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai , but clarified that no measures have been implemented yet .

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the Centre , the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Attorney General of India to submit joint suggestions on steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to frame a standard operating procedure (SOP) for media reporting on sensitive courtroom disruptions.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta , along with senior advocate and SCBA President Vikas Singh , informed the court that they would place common recommendations before it. The court waived the formal issuance of notice to the Centre, observing that the issue was non-adversarial in nature and required a collaborative institutional response.

The top court made it clear that the exercise was currently at a consultative stage , and that no final guidelines, security protocols or media SOPs have been notified or enforced so far . The bench said it would consider issuing binding, pan-India directions only after examining the suggestions received.

The proceedings stem from an October 6 incident , when 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe towards then CJI Gavai during live court proceedings. Justice Gavai remained unfazed and asked court staff and security personnel to ignore the act and let the lawyer off with a warning.

Subsequently, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Kishore’s licence to practise law with immediate effect. The episode drew widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who also spoke to Justice Gavai.

While hearing a plea filed by the SCBA seeking contempt action against the advocate, the Supreme Court expressed reluctance to initiate criminal contempt proceedings , indicating that its focus was on preventive and systemic reforms rather than punitive measures. The bench said it would examine measures relating to courtroom security, conduct within court premises and bar rooms , and responsible media coverage to avoid sensationalism and copycat incidents.

The court is expected to take up the matter again after the Centre, SCBA and the Attorney General place their joint recommendations , following which final directions may be issued.