A Hindu group in the US displayed digital billboards at Times Square after CJI B.R. Gavai’s “ask the deity itself” remark in a Vishnu idol case. The campaign seeks an apology and greater respect for Hindu sentiments.
On November 8, a Hindu community group released an open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) B. R. Gavai. The letter, shared by the organisers and available on the website StopHinduGenocide.org, was written in response to comments made by the CJI during a Supreme Court hearing on September 16.
The case involved a petition to restore a historic idol of Lord Vishnu at the Khajuraho temple site, which is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
During that hearing, the CJI reportedly made remarks that some people found insensitive to Hindu beliefs.
He said,
“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. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission….”
This statement led to strong reactions among Hindu groups, who felt that the comment made light of their faith.
In response, Hindu organisations in the United States launched a public campaign that started on November 8 at Duffy Square in New York City (Times Square) and is expected to continue till November 12.
The event drew attention to what organisers described as
“perceived insensitivity toward Hindu religious sentiments”,
and the group demanded a formal apology from the CJI.
The Hindu community also criticised other Supreme Court judges, including former Chief Justices D. Y. Chandrachud and U. U. Lalit, retired Justice Abhay S. Oka, and CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant, referring to their past judgments and public remarks.
They claimed that these judicial comments and rulings reflected a pattern of disregard for Hindu faith and traditions.
As part of the campaign, digital billboards were displayed at Times Square with messages calling for
“accountability and respect for Hindus.”
Many participants, including Hindu NRIs and Hindu Americans, carried banners that highlighted a series of Supreme Court rulings which, they said, showed limited sensitivity towards cultural and religious contexts in India.
In the open letter, the organisers listed several examples of court decisions — including restrictions on festival celebrations and temple administration — which they believe need a more balanced application of constitutional rights, especially Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion.
The organisers emphasised that their initiative was not meant to be confrontational but rather to promote awareness and improvement. One participant posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying,
“This is about ensuring that India’s judiciary, a pillar of democracy, continues to serve all citizens with the utmost respect for their heritage.”
According to StopHinduGenocide.org, similar awareness campaigns are being planned in other cities across the United States.
The group stated that their goal is to ensure that Hindu beliefs are treated with respect in judicial proceedings, and that India’s judiciary remains sensitive to the nation’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.
Overall, the campaign represents a growing effort among Hindu communities abroad to express concern over judicial attitudes and to call for greater respect and understanding of their faith in India’s legal system.
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