New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has clarified that he respects all religions, responding to online criticism of his remarks in a case involving the reconstruction of a damaged idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The issue arose after a plea sought directions to reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the UNESCO World Heritage site. On May 16, a bench of CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed the petition, terming it a publicity interest litigation. The CJI told the petitioner to seek spiritual remedies instead, adding that Khajuraho already has one of the largest Shiva lingas for worship.
Following the court’s refusal, social media users circulated selective comments attributed to the CJI, sparking controversy. Clarifying his position in open court, the CJI said, “I respect all religions.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the clarification, saying he has known the CJI for a decade and has seen him visit places of all faiths with equal reverence. He criticized the spread of distorted content, adding that social media often amplifies misinformation disproportionately.
Justice Chandran also noted the harm caused by such posts, calling social media “anti-social media” for its tendency to mislead the public. Senior advocate Sanjay Nul, representing the petitioner, confirmed that the CJI never made the remarks that were circulated online.
The clarification aims to address concerns about misinterpretation and emphasizes the judiciary’s neutral position on matters of faith.
