"I Respect All Religions", says Chief Justice Gavai

Clarification by Chief Justice Gavai on Controversial Remark About Shri Vishnu’s Idol

New Delhi – After his remarks on Shri Vishnu’s idol in Khajuraho sparked a row, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Thursday clarified his stance and said that he respects all religions. “Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media in a certain manner…I respect all religions,” CJI Gavai said.

⚖️ Chief Justice BR Gavai clarifies on his earlier remark about broken Shri Vishnu idol in Khajuraho (MP):
👉 “I respect all religions!”

🔙 Earlier, he had said: “Ask the deity himself to do something about it.”#SupremeCourtOfIndia
PC: @LawBeatInd https://t.co/2mb3MuqBYb pic.twitter.com/t2WYfMPLwq

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) September 18, 2025

Demand for Impeachment

CJI BR Gavai’s remarks sparked a huge controversy on social media, with various Hindu organisations saying that he had “mocked” their beliefs. Posts calling for the CJI’s impeachment also went viral, with users emphasising that the remarks hurt religious sentiment.

Advocate Vineet Jindal Writes to the President

Advocate Vineet Jindal sent a letter demanding that Chief Justice Gavai withdraw his statement, stating, “This comment is against Shri Vishnu and Sanatan Dharma.” The letter was also sent to the President of India. Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput also wrote an open letter demanding a clarification.