India, Sept. 18 -- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai on Wednesday said that he respects all religions, suggesting he did not intend to hurt the religious sentiments of any community while dismissing a petition earlier this week that sought the restoration of a seven-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh.

"Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed in social media in a certain manner...I respect all religions," the CJI said.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta and senior counsel Kapil Sibal, who were present in the court for a matter, underlined the danger social media presents. "This is serious. We used to know Newton's thi...