New York: An organisation named Stop Hindu Genocide has organised a public rally at Times Square in New York where a formal apology was sought from Chief Justice of India for his recent remarks on Lord Vishnu. The event also witnessed a digital billboard campaign.
On November 8, the Hindu Diaspora wrote an open letter addressed to CJI Gavai that was circulated by organisers and is available on the website StopHinduGenocide.org. This referred to a September 16 hearing in the Supreme Court of India involving a petition to restore a historic idol of Lord Vishnu at the Khajuraho temple site, overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India.
During the proceedings, the CJI reportedly suggested the petitioner seek divine intervention through prayer, a comment that some interpreted as dismissive of Hindu beliefs.
“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….,” the CJI has reportedly observed.
The Hindu group also targeted other Supreme Court of India judges, including former Chief Justices D Y Chandrachud and U U Lalit, retired judge Abhay S Oka, and CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant, over past judgments and remarks they had made.
Its open letter outlined examples of past court rulings, such as restrictions on festival practices and temple management, that participants argued reflected a need for balanced application of constitutional rights, including Article 25 on the freedom of religion.
The participants were mainly Hindu NRIs and Hindu Americans, who carried banners highlighting a series of judicial rulings they believe warranted greater consideration of cultural and religious contexts.
The campaign featured digital billboards displaying messages calling for accountability and respect for Hindus. The organisers stressed that their aim is to promote constructive reform rather than confrontation.
“This is about ensuring that India’s judiciary, a pillar of democracy, continues to serve all citizens with the utmost respect for their heritage,” said one participant on X.
The event that will go on till November 12, drew attention to what organisers described as a “perceived insensitivity toward Hindu religious sentiments”. Similar awareness efforts have been planned in other US cities by Hindu groups..
