I Believe & Respect All Religions: CJI Clarifies His Remark In Lord Vishnu Idol Case

Today, the Chief Justice of India B.R Gavai, while hearing the PIL concerning illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka, orally clarified that he believed and respected all religions. 

On September 16, while dismissing a PIL seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, the CJI commented, "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."

The Chief Justice B.R. Gavai responded, "I believe in all the religions. I respect all the religions."

During the hearing of the PIL concerning illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka filed by Samaj Parivartana Samudaya, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, mentioned that he was appearing in the matter since it was being published that the Union of India was not present and said, "We are here. Though with regard to our role, there is no role."

To which, CJI said, "Social Media, nowadays, it can be anything."

With regard to issue of publication of information on social media, CJI commented that he was told by someone that he made a remark with regard to religion.

"I believe in all the religions. I respect all the religions", CJI remarked.

Adding to CJI's remark, SG said, "I know the CJI since past ten years. My lords visit temples...all religious places with reverence."

Further, CJI said that he believes in Secularism, clarifying his previous remarks were made in different context.

Earlier, in the PIL seeking directions to reconstruct Lord Vishnu Idol, the CJI had also commented, "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 SG pointed out the serious nature of publication of information on social media and it's affect on public. Referring to Newton's third law of motion, SG said, "Now, every action has disproportionate and wrong social media reaction."

Upon which, the CJI also remarked that he doesn't watch social media.

While Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said that information posted on social media platforms are unruly horse.