The Supreme Court is set to hear a series of petitions on Friday regarding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested a schedule change for the case, which was originally slated for 3:30 PM on Thursday, asking to take it up instead at 10:30 AM the following day. “If your lordships permit, can I respond at 10:30 AM sharp tomorrow?” Mehta inquired of the bench led by Justice BR Gavai. The court granted this request and confirmed it would address the matter on Friday.
During the previous hearing on September 30, the Supreme Court had asked Mehta to assist in determining whether the ongoing investigation by the state-appointed Special Investigation Team should continue or if an independent agency should take over the inquiry. The bench emphasized the importance of clarity on this issue.
On that day, the court expressed concerns about the intersection of religious matters and politics. It specifically questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s public assertion that animal fat was allegedly used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the administration of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The apex court stated that the laboratory test results were “not clear at all,” noting that they seemed to indicate that “rejected ghee” had been subjected to testing.
The court highlighted that the situation required careful consideration and examination. According to state officials, an FIR was filed on September 25 regarding the allegations, and a special investigation team was formed the very next day, September 26, to probe the matter further.
The controversy surrounding the laddus has stirred significant public interest and debate, particularly in the context of religious practices and dietary restrictions among devotees. The Tirupati laddus, offered at the Tirumala temple, hold immense religious significance and are revered by millions of devotees. Any claims regarding the ingredients used in their preparation can have profound implications on community sentiments.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, attention will be focused on whether the investigation will remain under the purview of the SIT or transition to an independent body. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar allegations are addressed in the future, particularly in cases involving religious offerings and the integrity of traditional practices.
The Supreme Court’s approach emphasizes a balanced examination of the facts while safeguarding the sanctity of religious beliefs from political influence. As the hearing date approaches, both the legal community and the public await the court’s decision on this sensitive issue, which intertwines faith, governance, and justice in contemporary India.
