Facing criticism online, CJI says he respects all religions

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Thursday affirmed his respect for "all religions" in the wake of the online criticism his comments garnered in a matter over the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

“Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media...I respect all religions,” he said.

A bench comprising the CJI and Justice K Vinod Chandran on May 16 dismissed the plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. Terming the plea as a “publicity interest litigation”, the CJI said, “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.”

The CJI had added, “In the meantime, if you are not averse to Shaivism, you can go and worship there… there is a very big linga of Shiva, one of the biggest in Khajuraho.”

The VHPcriticised Chief Justice of India B R Gavai's comments on a plea for restoration of Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho, saying it would be better if such remarks mocking at beliefs of Hindu religion are avoided.