Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on 18 September 2025 attributed the controversy over his recent remark in the Khajuraho Vishnu idol case to social media, while clarifying that he had intended no disrespect to religious sentiments.
“I respect all religions…This happened on social media,” the CJI said, indicating that the backlash was a product of online reactions rather than his intent.
The row stems from comments made by the CJI on 16 September 2025, when the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh. Directing the petitioner to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the CJI had insensitively remarked: “Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission etc. Sorry.”
The statement had prompted criticism from the majority Hindus, who described it as hurtful to Hindu beliefs.
During Thursday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta weighed in, observing how reactions on social media often escalate disproportionately. “We have seen this…There is Newton’s law which says every action has equal reaction, but now every action has disproportionate social media reaction, milord,” he remarked.
The petition at the centre of the dispute was filed by Rakesh Dalal, who argued that the Vishnu idol at the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temple complex was mutilated during Mughal invasions and has remained unrestored despite decades of representations. He contended that the inaction violated devotees’ right to worship.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)
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