The Supreme Court’s remark, “Go and Ask the Deity Itself to Do Something,” on Lord Vishnu in the Khajuraho idol case sparked nationwide outrage, with “Impeach the CJI” trending as devotees said their religious sentiments were deeply hurt.
This week, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking to replace a damaged, 7-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The petitioner argued that restoring the idol, which was decapitated during Mughal invasions centuries ago, was vital for reviving the temple’s sanctity and resuming worship.
The temple, constructed by the Chandela rulers between 1050 and 1075 AD, is part of the Khajuraho complex, renowned for its remarkable architecture and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Devotees have long claimed that the broken idol has hindered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who led the bench, dismissed the plea sharply.
He remarked to petitioner Rakesh Dalal, who has been advocating for the restoration of broken idols across various temples,
“This is purely 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.”
This comment, delivered in open court, was meant to be sarcastic but quickly resonated outside the courtroom. For Dalal and his supporters, the ruling represented not only a legal setback but also a blow to their religious sentiments.
Following the judgment, protests erupted at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, led by local groups and religious activists demanding government action to restore the idol. Dalal submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging immediate intervention.
On social media, the backlash was swift and fierce.
One user noted,
“At times words hurt you more than knives, an insult that will echo for generations.”
Others took it further, with notable figures, including retired officials and influencers, calling for the impeachment of the Chief Justice.
Posts advocating for “Impeach the CJI” gained significant traction, revealing a stark divide between constitutional restraint and public sentiment.
This controversy highlights a profound tension between religious devotion and secular constitutional law.
The court clarified that worshippers are free to pray at other temples but refused to alter a centuries-old artifact in a protected heritage site. For the judges, the focus was on preserving historical continuity, while for the devotees, the desire was to restore a vital space for faith.
As the discussion intensifies, this case highlights the delicate balance India’s courts must navigate when addressing matters of faith, history, and law. Meanwhile, the headless idol in Khajuraho remains untouched, its silence now amplified by the echoes of a courtroom exchange that has sparked a national outcry.
Advocate Vineet Jindal said he has written to the Chief Justice of India, Justice B R Gavai, seeking immediate withdrawal of his remarks against Lord Vishnu, calling them hurtful to Hindu sentiments.
He added that a copy of the letter has also been sent to the President of India to ensure national attention on the issue, expressing hope that both the Supreme Court and the President will take the matter seriously and uphold the dignity of every faith in the country.
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