Supreme Court Criticizes Andhra CM for Public Allegations in Tirupati Laddu Controversy
Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Athi Venkatesh
The Supreme Court criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for publicly alleging that adulterated ghee, including animal fat, was used in Tirupati laddus before an official investigation concluded. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan questioned the appropriateness of a high-ranking constitutional figure making such claims, especially since a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was already formed to probe the issue.
The Court noted that lab reports prima facie indicated the ghee samples tested were from rejected batches. It questioned why the Chief Minister made such statements before confirming if the adulterated ghee was used in the prasadam. The court also emphasized that matters involving religious sentiments of millions should not be influenced by political agendas.
The case, involving petitions seeking an independent probe into the Tirupati laddu controversy, arose after Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the laddus under the previous regime. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials denied these claims, insisting that the contaminated ghee was not used in the preparation of laddus.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the TTD, informed the court that the allegedly adulterated ghee came from tankers supplied in July and was not used in the prasadam. However, the Chief Minister’s statement, made on September 18, predated the formal investigation initiated by the SIT.
The Court expressed concerns over political intervention in religious affairs, urging authorities to maintain responsibility when addressing sensitive issues. It also called for further investigation to determine whether the ongoing state-led SIT probe should continue or if a central agency should take over.
