The Supreme Court will hear petitions on Monday regarding the ongoing controversy over the alleged use of animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus, a sacred offering at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The issue gained traction after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the previous YSR Congress administration, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, permitted the use of animal fat in preparing these laddus.
Prominent figures, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and YSR Congress Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, have filed petitions demanding a court-monitored investigation into the matter. The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices B. R. Gavai and K. V. Viswanathan, will preside over the hearings.
One petition, filed by advocate Satyam Singh, calls for the establishment of a judicial committee chaired by a former Supreme Court judge or an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Singh’s plea claims that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust engaged in a “criminal conspiracy and mismanagement,” highlighting the use of non-vegetarian products, including animal fat, in the preparation of ‘prasadam’.
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The petition further underscores the violation of religious customs, arguing that these actions profoundly offend the beliefs of countless devotees who regard ‘prasadam’ as a divine blessing.
It states that such violations contravene Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion.
The Tirumala Tirupati Temple holds significant spiritual importance for Hindus worldwide along with attracting millions of devotees each year.
These devotees seek blessings and partake in the ‘prasadam’, believed to carry the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
Another petition seeks the establishment of a committee under the Supreme Court’s direct oversight or the appointment of a retired judge alongside experts to investigate allegations regarding the quality of ingredients used in the preparation of the offerings.
Moreover, in response to the controversy, the Andhra Pradesh government further formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine claims of adulteration in the ghee used for making the laddus.
Chief Minister Naidu further announced that action will be taken against those found responsible for using substandard ghee after the SIT completes its investigation.
However, the developments surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus continue to unfold, prompting both legal and governmental scrutiny into the management practices of the revered temple.
