Delhi September 30, 2024 :- In the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Tirupati Laddu controversy, the Supreme Court conducted a hearing today, issuing a strong statement urging that “at least God should be kept away from politics.” The case was presided over by a bench comprising Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. V. Viswanathan.
During the hearing, the counsel representing Subramanian Swamy highlighted that untested materials were being used in the kitchen to prepare the sacred Laddu. The investigation revealed lapses in monitoring, raising concerns about the system’s oversight responsibility, given the religious significance of the Laddu as a sacred offering (Prasad) and the devotion it holds for the faithful.
Petitions filed in the court have called for a judicial investigation into allegations made by Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, claiming that animal fat and fish oil were being used in the preparation of the Laddu at the Tirupati temple. Meanwhile, a state-run committee has been stationed in Tirupati to inspect the quality of ingredients such as ghee and other materials used in the Prasad preparation.
Justice Gavai, responding to senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represented the Andhra Pradesh government, raised critical questions. He remarked, “When you hold a constitutional office, it is expected that deities will be kept away from political matters.” The court also questioned the need for media involvement, asking, “What was the necessity to go to the press before the findings of the SIT are out?”
The court emphasized that this was the second time such a situation had arisen, urging caution in handling such sensitive issues.
