Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Thursday clarified that his judicial remarks were being misrepresented online and stressed that he holds equal respect for all faiths. The clarification came in the backdrop of critical social media posts following his observations in a matter concerning the reconstruction of a damaged Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho’s Javari Temple.
“I respect all religions,” CJI Gavai said, adding that his comments in the Khajuraho case had been distorted on social media. A bench of the CJI and Justice K. Vinod Chandran had, on May 16, dismissed a plea seeking reconstruction and reinstallation of a seven-foot Vishnu idol at the UNESCO World Heritage temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.
At the time, the bench had termed the petition “a publicity interest litigation,” remarking that a true devotee should pray to the deity rather than seek judicial directions. The CJI also had noted that worshippers could visit other shrines at Khajuraho, including the prominent Shiva linga, if they wished.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta came out in defence of the CJI, saying he has known him for over a decade and could vouch for his reverence toward all faiths. “Now with the advent of social media, we have a new rule—for every action, there is wrong and disproportionate social media over reaction,” he said, calling the misrepresentation “unfortunate.”
Justice Chandran too highlighted the dangers of misleading online narratives, remarking that “social media is in fact anti-social media.”
Senior advocates across the bar echoed similar concerns. Sanjay Nul, who represented the petitioner in the Khajuraho case, confirmed that the CJI had not made the remarks attributed to him online. Veteran lawyer Kapil Sibal added, “We suffer every day, it’s an unruly horse, no way to tame it.”
The dismissed petition was filed by one Rakesh Dalal, seeking directions for reconstruction and consecration of the damaged idol at the Javari Temple in Chhatarpur district. The court refused to entertain the plea, holding that it lacked legal merit and was filed for publicity.
The CJI, while addressing the criticism, also drew attention to recent violent protests in Nepal, linking them to the perils of misinformation and unrestrained social media discourse.
