‘Gods should be kept away from politics’: Here’s everything the Supreme Court has said about the ongoing Tirupati laddu row

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised the Andhra Pradesh government for involving religious sentiments in a political controversy surrounding the preparation of laddus, which are offered as prasadam at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. The court was hearing multiple petitions that sought a probe into the allegations of adulteration in the laddus, particularly concerning the alleged use of animal fat in the ghee used for preparation.

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan expressed its disapproval of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's public statement on the issue. The bench stated, "It was not appropriate for a high constitutional authority to make a statement that can affect the sentiments of crores of people." The court questioned the timing of Naidu's allegations, which were made before an official Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe was even initiated, remarking, "Unless you are sure, how did you go public with that?"

The controversy began when Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, had been used in the preparation of the laddus under the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)-led government. The claims caused a stir, as the Tirupati Laddu holds a significant place in the faith of millions of devotees. The Andhra Pradesh government had constituted a SIT to investigate the matter, but the Supreme Court questioned the necessity of making public statements when the investigation was still in progress.

The court was clear in its stance, with Justice Gavai stating, "At least, we expect the Gods to be kept away from politics." The bench further questioned whether the adulterated ghee, if any, had actually been used in the preparation of the prasadam. It added that, as per the lab reports available, the ghee tested was not the same ghee used in making the laddus, stating, "It is very clear from the report that this is not the ghee which has been used."

Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), acknowledged that complaints had been made about the quality of the laddus and the ghee used. However, he also admitted that there was no conclusive proof that the contaminated ghee had been used in the prasadam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, emphasised that the issue was a "matter of faith," and if adulterated ghee was indeed used, it would be "completely unacceptable." The bench also asked Mehta to provide guidance on whether the state-appointed SIT should continue the investigation or if it should be handed over to an independent agency.

The Supreme Court further reprimanded the Andhra Pradesh government for going to the press with unverified allegations, questioning the rationale behind making such statements when an SIT probe had already been ordered. "Till the outcome of SIT probe, what was the need to go to the press?" the court asked the state government’s counsel.

The issue has also drawn political reactions, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan commenting on the court’s observations. He stated, "The judges did not say the laddus were unadulterated," adding that his government would continue to investigate the matter. He linked the controversy to broader issues of temple desecration, asserting that this was not just about the prasadam but about violations over the past five years.

The court is scheduled to hear the case again on October 3, with the Solicitor General expected to assist in determining the next steps for the investigation. Meanwhile, the SIT investigation has been temporarily suspended until the court issues further directions.

(With inputs from agencies)