New Delhi: A remark made by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai while rejecting a plea to restore a vandalised idol of Lord Vishnu at Khajuraho has triggered a major controversy, drawing sharp criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and devotees.
The plea, filed by petitioner Rakesh Dalal, sought directions from the Supreme Court for the restoration of a 7-foot damaged idol of Lord Vishnu located at the Javari temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The petitioner argued that the idol, allegedly damaged during Mughal invasions, had not been restored despite repeated appeals, thereby infringing upon the fundamental right to worship of devotees.
However, the CJI-led bench dismissed the plea, observing that the matter lay under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). In doing so, the Chief Justice reportedly told the petitioner: “This is purely a publicity interest litigation. 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.”
The remarks quickly went viral after the ruling, sparking outrage on social media platforms. Hashtags demanding the impeachment of the Chief Justice trended online, with users alleging that the comments amounted to an insult to Hindu faith and religious sentiments.
Several advocates have also voiced their disapproval. Advocate Vineet Jindal wrote to the CJI and sent a copy of his letter to the President, urging corrective steps. “I hope the Supreme Court and the President will treat this matter with seriousness and ensure that the dignity of every faith is preserved,” Jindal said.
Another lawyer, Satyam Singh Rajput, issued an open letter to the Chief Justice urging him to withdraw or clarify his remarks. “As a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, I am personally shocked by these remarks… For millions of Hindus, devotion to Lord Vishnu is not merely a matter of personal belief but the very foundation of their spiritual existence and cultural identity,” he wrote.
