&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "'I respect all religions', says CJI BR Gavai amid backlash over Khajuraho remarks")
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai issued a clarification on Thursday (September 18) regarding his recent comments about the Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, which had stirred significant controversy. He said, "I respect all religions," responding to claims that his statements had been misrepresented on social media.
The clarification followed a judgment delivered earlier in the week, where CJI Gavai, leading a bench, dismissed a petition seeking the reconstruction and reinstallation of a seven-foot Lord Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho complex in Madhya Pradesh. In his ruling, the CJI had remarked, "This is nothing but publicity-driven litigation. If you are a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, focus on prayer and meditation."
Also Read: 71-year-old US citizen invited to India for marriage, burnt to death by 75-year-old NRI groom
He also highlighted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had jurisdiction over such matters and suggested the petitioner could visit the nearby Shiva Temple while the case remained unresolved. "If you are open to Shaivism, there is a significant Shiva linga at Khajuraho," he added.
Trending Stories
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
Iran strikes Amazon data infrastructure in Bahrain, power, water desalination plants in Kuwait
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
)
3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
)
'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda 'waste of time'
However, the remarks sparked outrage, with several Hindu organizations accusing the CJI of mocking religious beliefs. Some social media users called for his impeachment, and prominent figures, such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar, urged restraint in courtroom speech. Legal professionals also sent letters to the Chief Justice of India, asking him to retract his comments, stressing the need to preserve the dignity of all religions. One letter specifically urged the Supreme Court and the President to address the matter seriously.
