CJI Gavai clarifies amid row over comments in Vishnu idol case: ‘I respect all religions’

Justice BR Gavai

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Thursday reaffirmed his respect for "all religions" following online criticism of his remarks regarding the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

“Someone told me the other day that the comments I made were misportrayed on social media. I respect all religions,” the CJI was quoted as saying by CNN-News18.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also backed Gavai, saying reactions to events often get blown out of proportion on social media platforms. “We have seen this...There is Newton's law which says every action has equal reaction, but now every action has disproportionate social media reaction, milord," he said, according to Bar and Bench.

CJI Gavai’s remarks

The Supreme Court, on September 16, dismissed a plea that sought to rebuild and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temple complex, Madhya Pradesh. Turning down the plea, the court had termed it a “publicity interest litigation”.

“This is purely publicity interest litigation. Go and ask the deity himself to do something. If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation,” CJI Gavai had said.

Stating that the issue squarely fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the CJI had said, “It’s an archaeological find, whether the ASI would permit such a thing to be done or not. There are various issues.”

“In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there. There is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho,” he said.

After his remarks were shared widely, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) said these comments “mocked” the beliefs of Hinduism.

VHP President Alok Kumar also called for exercising restraint in the speech, especially within the courtroom.

“The day before yesterday, the Supreme Court heard a petition seeking the repair of the broken idol of Lord Vishnu located in the famous Javari Temple in Khajuraho. During the hearing, the Chief Justice verbally remarked, “Pray to God for the repair of the idol. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, so now pray to Him.” The court is a temple of justice. Indian society has faith and trust in the courts. It is our duty to ensure that this trust not only remains intact but also strengthens it. We also have a duty to exercise restraint in our speech, especially within the courtroom. This responsibility lies with litigants, lawyers, and judges alike. We feel that the Chief Justice’s oral remarks mocked the beliefs of Hinduism. It would be better to refrain from making such comments,” the VHP wrote on X.