Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has come under criticism over his remarks, perceived as insensitive by a section of advocates, while hearing a plea seeking the restoration of a damaged Lord Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh.
The CJI Gavai-led bench, while rejecting the plea on Tuesday, said the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and asked the petitioner to "pray to Lord Vishnu" for some intervention.
"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 Supreme Court told petitioner Rakesh Dalal.
The petition sought directions from the top court to restore a 7-foot vandalised idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, which is part of the Khajuraho temple complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It claimed the idol was damaged during the Mughal invasions and, despite several appeals to the authorities, it was not restored or repaired.
The petitioner argued that restoration of the idol was not merely about archaeology but about faith and the alleged failure of the authorities infringed the fundamental right to worship of devotees.
As the ruling became public, the Chief Justice came under severe criticism on social media for his remarks. Posts calling for the CJI's impeachment also went viral, with users emphasising that the remarks hurt religious sentiment.
Several advocates have also written to CJI Gavai, asking him to withdraw his statement against Lord Vishnu and Sanatan dharma.
Advocate Vineet Jindal also sent a copy of his letter to the President. "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 in his letter to the CJI.
Another lawyer, Satyam Singh Rajput, wrote an open letter to CJI Gavai and asked him to reconsider and withdraw his remarks. In his letter, Rajput urged the CJI to issue a "clarification".
"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," Rajput said.
Source: India Today