The Supreme Court requested evidence that contaminated ghee was used in the preparation of the prasadam.
On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the Tirupati Prasadam controversy, asking why they went to the press without clear evidence that adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of Tirumala laddus.
“In any case, we expect that deities should be kept out of politics,” the court stated in a strong remark.
The court informed the lawyer representing the Andhra government that the lab reports indicated that the ghee tested was a rejected sample.
Justice BR Gavai asked senior advocate Siddharth Luthra whether the ghee that did not meet the standards was used in making the laddus.
Luthra responded that the matter was still under investigation.
“Then why was there a need to go to the press immediately? You must respect religious sentiments,” Justice Gavai remarked.
The Supreme Court also requested evidence that contaminated ghee was used in the preparation of the prasadam.
The court has decided to consider transferring the investigation from the state to an independent agency.
What is the Tirupati Laddu controversy?
Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was being used in the preparation of the sacred prasadam at the ancient temple. He stated that during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, adulterated ghee was used to make the laddus at the Tirupati temple.
The Andhra government established a Special Investigation Team to look into the issue.
Jagan Mohan Reddy denied the allegations, accusing CM Naidu of “blatantly lying” about the Tirupati Laddu prasadam.
“To divert attention from political issues, CM Chandrababu Naidu has raised the Laddu controversy. He is suggesting that animal fat was used in the production of laddu prasadam, which undermines the sanctity and pride of Tirumala. Is this justified? Chandrababu Naidu is blatantly lying about the TTD Laddu Prasadam,” the YSRCP leader stated earlier this month.
