The Supreme Court of India has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the preparation of laddus at the Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, on October 1, 2024.
The court’s scrutiny was prompted by claims made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who alleged that animal fat was used in the laddus during the tenure of the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The Supreme Court, hearing multiple petitions seeking an investigation into these claims, expressed strong reservations about mixing religious sentiments with political controversies.
“Gods should be kept away from politics,” remarked the bench, emphasizing the timing of Mr. Naidu’s public disclosure even as investigations were underway. The court’s critique was not just on the timing but also on the necessity of making such allegations public, questioning whether such statements were aimed at garnering political points rather than upholding the sanctity of religious practices.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in on shifting the probe from state hands to an independent agency. This consideration was prompted by doubts over the impartiality of the investigation conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government.
The Tirupati Laddu controversy has not only sparked legal debates but has also ignited a public discourse on the commercial and religious integrity of temple offerings. While the TDP, led by Chandrababu Naidu, welcomed the Supreme Court’s probe into the matter, the opposition YSRCP slammed the publicity given to the alleged adulteration as ‘heinous,’ arguing that it has hurt the sentiments of devotees worldwide.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan clarified that the Supreme Court did not declare the laddus as ‘unadulterated,’ signaling an intent to further investigate the governance of temple practices during the previous regime.