‘I respect all religions’: CJI after idol remarks spark row

**Chief Justice of India BR Gavai Clarifies Remarks Amid Controversy Over Khajuraho Idol Case**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 18, 2025 | 04:22 PM*

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has clarified that he respects all religions amid a controversy sparked by his remarks in the Khajuraho idol case.

### Background: The Khajuraho Idol Case

The case revolves around a plea seeking the restoration of a seven-foot-tall beheaded ancient Lord Vishnu idol located at the Javari temple, part of Madhya Pradesh’s UNESCO-listed Khajuraho group of monuments. The petitioner argued that the idol was mutilated during Mughal invasions and has remained unrepaired due to colonial neglect and post-independence inaction.

### CJI Gavai’s Response and Refusal to Intervene

On September 16, CJI Gavai declined to intervene in the matter, stating that the issue falls within the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He 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.”

He also emphasized that since the idol is an archaeological find, any restoration would require ASI’s permission.

> “It’s an archaeological find, whether the ASI would permit such a thing to be done or not. There are various issues,” he said.

CJI Gavai further noted that there are other places of worship at Khajuraho, suggesting,

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

### Clarification Amid Social Media Misinterpretation

Following a wave of reactions on social media, CJI Gavai sought to clear the air, stating,

> “I respect all religions. This happened on social media.”

He stressed that his comments were misinterpreted.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also weighed in, highlighting how social media tends to exaggerate reactions. He remarked,

> “We have seen this. There is Newton’s law which says every action has an equal reaction, but now every action has disproportionate social media reaction.”

### Public and VHP Reaction

CJI Gavai’s remark asking the litigant to pray to the deity stirred outrage among some communities, who found the comment offensive to Hindu sentiments. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) accused the CJI of “mocking” Hindu beliefs. Hashtags demanding his impeachment trended online briefly.

Later, VHP chief Alok Kumar urged caution in public comments, especially within courtroom settings.

—

This controversy underscores the sensitivity around religious sentiments and the interface between archaeological conservation and worship rights. The matter continues to draw public and legal attention.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/i-respect-all-religions-cji-on-vishnu-idol-remarks-row/story

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