Supreme Court Chief Justice Expresses Respect for All Faiths in Response to Digital Criticism
The Supreme Court of India, in a recent hearing, dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, made the decision after careful consideration.
The case, termed a 'publicity interest litigation' by CJI Gavai, has sparked controversy, with some feeling that the CJI's remarks were disrespectful towards Lord Vishnu. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national president, Alok Kumar, expressed his concern, stating that the remarks mocked the beliefs of the Hindu religion.
However, it is essential to clarify that the CJI's remarks were made in the context of the temple being under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. CJI Gavai has affirmed his respect for all religions and has emphasised the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of religious sites.
The issue of misinformation and the harmful impact of misinformed social media posts has been a topic of concern for the judiciary. Justice Vinod Chandran, in a separate matter, highlighted the negative impact of such posts, citing his own experience of having to recuse himself in a matter due to misleading online speculation.
CJI Gavai has also addressed this issue, reflecting on the recent violent protests in Nepal and underscoring the destabilizing role of social media. He, along with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, has emphasised the need for restraint and balance in online discourse.
Tushar Mehta, who has known CJI Gavai for a decade, affirmed that the CJI visits all religious places with equal reverence. He also stated that there is disproportionate social media overreaction to the CJI's remarks.
Sanjay Nul, who represented the petitioner in the Khajuraho matter, expressed concern over the distorted posts and clarified that the CJI never said what was being falsely attributed to him. He urged for a more balanced and accurate portrayal of the court proceedings.
Kapil Sibal, a prominent lawyer, added that they suffer every day due to the unruly nature of social media. He emphasised the need for responsible use of social media platforms to promote understanding and harmony rather than fuel misinformation and controversy.
In other news, the Supreme Court has ordered states and Union Territories to notify rules to register Sikh weddings, although the details of this order were not provided in the paragraph. Additionally, the implementation date for the Online Gaming Law has been set for October 1.
As we navigate these complex issues, it is crucial to maintain a balanced and informed perspective, promoting understanding and harmony rather than fuelling misinformation and controversy.
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