I respect all religions, says CJI BR Gavai, clarifying remarks on Vishnu idol

Responding to the controversy sparked by his verbal observation during a hearing, Chief Justice of India ( CJI) BR Gavai Thursday said he respects all religions.

The CJI clarified that his comments while dismissing a plea seeking reconstruction of a dilapidated Lord Vishnu idol at a temple in Khajuraho were made in the context of the fact that the temple was under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI).

A bench comprising the CJI and justices MM Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran was hearing a plea pertaining to large-scale illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka that led to severe environmental damage.

Assuring that he meant no disrespect, the CJI verbally remarked, "I respect all religions... This happened on social media... we said it in the context of ASI".

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta observed that reactions to events often get blown out of proportion on social media.

"We have seen this... There is Newton's law, which says every action has an equal reaction, but now every action has disproportionate social media reaction" Mehta said. The comment that sparked the controversy was made on Tuesday after a bench led by the CJI noted that the question of whether the Vishnu idol should be restored lay within the domain of the ASI and not the court.