Chief Justice BR Gavai stated before the bench that his comments on Lord Vishnu were mischaracterised on social media. He stressed that his remarks had been quoted out of context and reaffirmed his equal regard for every religion.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta backed the Chief Justice’s stand. Mehta told the bench that he has known Justice Gavai for more than a decade. Furthermore, he can personally vouch for his respect toward all religions.
He added that in the present climate, social media often triggers instant reactions and counter-reactions. Moreover, it tends to misrepresent the original intent of a statement.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal also addressed the issue during the hearing. He said lawyers regularly face such situations in their profession and described social media as a ‘runaway horse’ that amplifies and distorts facts.
Responding to the submissions, Justice Gavai observed that the misrepresentation of judicial comments is not peculiar to India.
He cited examples from Nepal and other jurisdictions where public remarks of judges and dignitaries were likewise distorted.
Controversy Origin
The clarification follows a controversy that began after advocate Satyam Singh Rajput. He sent a petition and an open letter to the Chief Justice on September 17.
Rajput alleged that Justice Gavai’s earlier comments had hurt religious sentiments and demanded both a withdrawal of the remarks and an official clarification.
The row stemmed from a hearing where Justice Gavai had said that if someone was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, they could pray to the deity for relief, since the matter related to an archaeological site.
He explained that any change to a protected monument must first secure the Archaeological Survey of India’s consent, adding with regret that the court could not interfere in such cases.
By offering a clarification, Justice Gavai tried to bring finality to the debate. He emphasised his even-handedness and respect for every faith, while appealing for judicial remarks to be read in context instead of through the distorted filter of social media.
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