‘I Respect All Religions’: CJI BR Gavai Clarifies After Khajuraho Idol Case Remarks Spark Row

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Thursday issued a clarification after his remarks during a hearing related to the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh sparked a row on social media. The CJI stressed that his comments had been misrepresented online and reiterated that he holds respect for all religions.

"Someone told me the other day that the comments I made were misportrayed on social media," CJI Gavai said, adding, "I respect all religions."

The clarification comes in the backdrop of a case concerning the Javari Temple, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khajuraho temple complex. On September 16, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the reconstruction and reinstallation of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the temple.

While rejecting the plea, the bench described it as a "publicity interest litigation." CJI Gavai, addressing the petitioner, remarked: "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."

His remarks drew significant attention online, with several social media users claiming they were disrespectful. Following the backlash, the CJI clarified that his comments had been taken out of context and mispresented, underlining that he had no intent to hurt religious sentiments.