Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Thursday clarified remarks made during a recent hearing concerning a damaged Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh, stating that his comments were misrepresented and emphasizing, “I respect all religions.”
The clarification came in response to online backlash over remarks made on Tuesday, when a bench led by the CJI dismissed a petition seeking restoration of a 7-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple. While rejecting the plea, the bench had remarked:
“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 court noted that the issue was under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and not one warranting judicial interference.
The comments, which quickly went viral on social media, sparked widespread criticism from users who claimed they were disrespectful to religious sentiments. Some even called for the Chief Justice’s resignation. In the wake of the controversy, several lawyers wrote to the CJI requesting a formal clarification or withdrawal of the remarks.
Addressing the matter during a separate hearing on Thursday, the CJI said:
“Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been posted on social media… I respect all religions.”
Supporting the Chief Justice, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta condemned the overreaction on social media, remarking:
“This is serious. We used to know Newton’s law — that every action has an equal reaction. Now, every action has a disproportionate social media reaction.”
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal echoed these concerns, describing social media as “an unruly horse” that cannot be tamed, adding that those in public life “suffer every day” because of it.
The incident has reignited debate about judicial commentary, religious sensitivity, and the outsized role of social media in shaping public discourse.
