Tirupati Ladoo Controversy: SC Pulls Up Naidu for Premature Allegations Without Investigation Outcome
Supreme Court Slams Naidu for Tirupati Ladoo Adulteration Claims Amid Ongoing Probe
New Delhi, Sep 30: The Supreme Court on Monday criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his public comments on the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati Ladoos, despite the ongoing investigation. A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan expressed their displeasure, stating, “It is not appropriate for a high constitutional functionary to make such statements without waiting for the investigation’s outcome. This could affect public sentiment.”
The Supreme Court observed that the matter was highly sensitive, given the religious importance of the Tirupati Ladoos, and directed the Solicitor General to assist the court in deciding whether the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed to probe the case should continue or if an independent agency should be tasked with the investigation. The bench emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny, highlighting that the case touches upon the religious sentiments of devotees worldwide.
The court was hearing a series of petitions calling for independent investigations or court-monitored probes into the alleged adulteration of the prasadam, dating back to the previous YSR Congress Party government. These petitions, filed by various prominent figures including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, spiritual discourser Dushyanth Sridhar, and others, argue for accountability and transparency in temple management by government bodies.
One of the primary allegations came from a report made public by CM Naidu, which claimed that ghee samples used in the preparation of the Ladoos during the YSRCP regime contained animal fats, including possible beef fat and fish oil. This assertion has sparked outrage among devotees, as these ingredients are in direct violation of the religious practices surrounding the prasadam.
During the hearing, Justice Gavai pointed out discrepancies in public statements. While the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister had made claims regarding adulteration, officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) refuted the allegations, stating that no such adulterated ghee was ever used. This conflicting information has further complicated the case, prompting the Court to call for deeper investigation.
The matter also took a political turn, with allegations of the issue being used as a weapon by the current administration to target the previous YSRCP government. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, dismissed the petitions as politically motivated, pointing to a TTD internal investigation that had already addressed the concerns about ghee adulteration.
Petitions filed by public figures, including a plea from Sudarshan News Editor Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke, cited violations of religious rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, stressing that the contamination of the prasadam infringed upon the devotees’ freedom of religion. Chavhanke has demanded the formation of a committee led by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to ensure a fair investigation.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, not only for its religious implications but also for its potential to harm societal harmony, given the sensitive nature of the accusations. While Naidu’s public remarks drew sharp criticism, the court emphasized the need for clarity in the investigation before any conclusions are drawn.
As the controversy surrounding the Tirupati Ladoo adulteration continues, the court scheduled the next hearing for October 3, during which it will deliberate on who should lead the investigation.
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