"I Respect All Religions": Chief Justice BR Gavai After Deity Remark Row
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday said that his remarks in the matter concerning the restoration of a Lord Vishnu Idol in Khajuraho are being misportrayed on social media.
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Chief Justice Gavai addressed misrepresentations of his comments on social media regarding a Nepal-like situation.
New Delhi:
On Thursday, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai clarified that his statements regarding the restoration of a Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho have been misinterpreted on social media platforms.
"I was informed that my comments have been portrayed in a particular way on social media... I want to emphasize that I respect all religions," the Chief Justice stated.
The controversial remarks were delivered on Tuesday when dismissing a petition that sought directions for the reconstruction and reinstallation of a seven-foot Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple, which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
A bench led by Chief Justice Gavai had declined to consider the petition filed by Rakesh Dalal, who requested the replacement and consecration of the damaged idol at the Javari Temple located in Chhatarpur district.
"This appears to be publicity interest litigation. If you consider yourself a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, then pray and meditate for divine intervention," remarked the CJI.
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, noting that the matter fell entirely under the Archaeological Survey of India's authority.
"As an archaeological discovery, whether ASI would allow such an action involves various considerations," the CJI explained.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, present before the bench, attested to knowing CJI Gavai for a decade and confirmed that the Chief Justice had visited various religious sites.
Expressing concern about the situation, SG Mehta commented, "We once knew Newton's Law - every action has an equal reaction, but now every action faces a disproportionate social media reaction."
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, also present during the proceedings, added, "We experience this daily, social media is an uncontrollable force that cannot be restrained."
After affirming his respect for all faiths, CJI Gavai drew a parallel between the social media uproar and recent events in Nepal.
"A similar situation occurred in Nepal," the CJI observed.