Overview
- A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi on Oct 27 refused to initiate criminal contempt against 71-year-old advocate Rakesh Kishore over the Oct 6 courtroom incident.
- The court said such conduct is contempt on the face of the court under Section 14 but stressed the presiding judge’s discretion after noting the CJI chose to ignore the act.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to collate similar incidents as the court considers preventive guidelines to limit publication and glorification on social media.
- The Supreme Court Bar Association pressed for action, arguing institutional dignity was harmed, while the bench cautioned that proceedings would amplify the offender.
- Kishore’s licence remains suspended by the Bar Council of India, and the court kept the matter pending to craft safeguards for courtroom security and decorum.