Chief Justice of India(CJI), B.R. Gavai clarified his earlier remarks made while dismissing a plea seeking reconstruction of a damaged Lord Vishnu idol at a Khajuraho temple, stating that he maintains equal respect for all religions.

The controversy stemmed from the Chief Justice’s dismissal on September 16 of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking reconstruction of the idol, where he suggested that the petitioner could always pray to the deity for relief, a remark that prompted a strong backlash on various social media platforms.

The CJI emphasized that his statements were made within the framework of the temple being under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Alongside Justice MM Sundresh and Justice K Vinod Chandran, CJI BR Gavai was hearing a case involving large-scale illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka, which caused significant environmental harm.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union, raised concerns about misleading media reports from previous hearings that inaccurately suggested the absence of Union counsels.

The CJI noted his worry over misinformation circulating on social media, referencing his recent remarks concerning the petition on rebuilding the 7-feet tall Vishnu Idol.

He explained, "On social media, nowadays it can be anything. The day before yesterday, I was told by somebody - "you have said something dismissive." He added, "I believe in all the religions, I respect all the (religions)."

The Solicitor General further supported the CJI, saying, "I have known the CJI for the last 10 years, my lord visits temples and places of all religions with reverence."

The Chief Justice clarified that his comments were specifically regarding the ASI's jurisdiction over the temple, stating, "We said it in the context of ASI ....I had also advised Mr Nuli that there is also the Shiva Temple in Khajuraho, one of the biggest Lingas."

Justice K Vinodchandran also addressed the issue surrounding his recusal from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) involving alleged financial irregularities in Vedanta Group, noting that it was misunderstood.

He explained that his disqualification arose because he was formerly a partner at a law firm representing Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) , but it was wrongly perceived that he had stakes in Vedanta.

He shared, "Last week, there was a PIL filed, for respondents, K J John Company had appeared, so I avoided KJ John Company. People called me and asked me, " Do you have holdings in Vedanta?" On a lighter note, the Solicitor General remarked on the unreliability of social media reactions, stating, "This is serious also, we used to know Newton's law- every action has an equal reaction, now every action has a disproportionate social media reaction."

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal added, "We suffer every day....it's an unruly horse, there is no way to tame it."

Highlighting how social media can spiral out of control, the CJI referred to the violent protests recently seen in Nepal, noting, "In Nepal, also, it happened that way."

Case Details: RAKESH DALAL Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.| Diary No. 32820-2025