Tirupati Laddu Row: Supreme Court Hearing on Independent Investigation Plea Today
The Supreme Court will hear petitions today seeking an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of laddus at the renowned Tirupati Tirumala Temple. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan will consider the matter at 10:30 am.
The row gained momentum after former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the preparation of laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government. This sparked a fierce political debate, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accusing Naidu of using religion for political gains.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple’s affairs, revealed that it had received numerous complaints from pilgrims about the poor quality of laddus in recent years. An investigation by TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao found that suppliers were providing substandard ghee, potentially adulterated.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was directed to convey the Centre’s stance on the necessity of a central probe. Mehta emphasized that the matter concerns faith and that the use of contaminated ghee is unacceptable.
The Supreme Court had earlier censured Naidu for making statements about the alleged animal fat use while the investigation was ongoing and no FIR had been filed. The bench also sought evidence supporting claims of ‘contaminated ghee’ used in preparing Tirupati Laddus.
The hearing comes amidst escalating tensions between the YSRCP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), with both parties engaging in a war of words. The outcome of today’s hearing is eagerly awaited, as it may shed light on the controversy and potential next steps.
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