'I Respect All Religions': CJI BR Gavai After Khajuraho Idol Remarks Row

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Thursday clarified his position after his comments about a Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho sparked controversy. He said, “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been misportrayed on social media … I respect all religions,” as reported by Hindustan Times.

The clarification followed remarks he made earlier this week while dismissing a plea that sought reconstruction and reinstallation of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Justice told the petitioner, “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,” as reported by Hindustan Times.

He further observed that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). During the hearing, he also suggested that the petitioner could worship at another temple in the meantime. “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 CJI said..