In the Tirupati temple laddu controversy, the Supreme Court on Monday (September 30, 2024) directed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been reprimanded. The court said in a strict tone that at least the gods should be kept away from politics. Also, the court asked for evidence from N. Questioned Chandrababu Naidu’s claim that animal fat was used in making laddus of Tirupati temple. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to tell whether the investigation should be conducted by an independent agency or by the SIT team.
The bench of Justice Bhushan Ramakrishnan Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan told Andhra Pradesh government’s lawyer Mukul Rohatgi that prima facie it appears from the report that this ghee has not been used in making laddus. He said that it is not clear from the report which ghee was tested, it seems that this is the test of the ghee which was rejected.
The court further said that the Chief Minister claimed adulteration of Laddoo Prasad on September 18, while the FIR in the case was registered on September 25 and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on September 26. The bench said, ‘It is not appropriate for a high constitutional functionary to make such a statement in public which can affect the sentiments of crores of people.’
The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist in deciding whether the investigation by the SIT constituted by the state government should continue or the investigation should be conducted by an independent agency. The bench was hearing several petitions, including one seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged use of animal fat in making laddus at the Tirupati temple.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court sought evidence that contaminated ghee was used in making laddus of Tirupati temple. The bench said, ‘At least, we hope that the deities will be kept away from politics. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that it is a matter of faith and if contaminated ghee has been used in making laddus then it is unacceptable. The court fixed October 3 for the next hearing in the case.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had earlier this month claimed that animal fat was used in preparing laddus for the Tirupati temple during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state. This had created a large-scale political controversy. YSR Congress had alleged that Naidu had made the heinous allegation for political gain.