• Eleco
• Sept. 30, 2024

On Monday, the Supreme Court stated that it “expects gods to be kept away from politics” while hearing petitions about claims that animal fat was found in the ghee used to make laddus at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court, “It is a matter of faith. If contaminated ghee was used, that is unacceptable.” The court then asked for proof that contaminated ghee was actually used in making the laddus.
Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that during the previous YSRCP government, animal fat was used in the preparation of the Tirupati laddu prasadam. The YSRCP called this allegation “malicious.”
The court noted that the lab reports suggesting animal fat was used in the laddus indicated that the samples tested were from ghee supplied but not actually used for making the prasadam.
The court has asked the Centre to decide whether the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government should continue its investigation into the allegations. The next hearing is scheduled for October 3, and the court instructed the state to refrain from interfering until then.

Supreme court judge question

Justice Viswanathan questioned, “You received the report in July, and on September 18, you went public claiming you ordered an investigation. The report clearly states that this ghee was not used. How could you go public with that unless you were sure?”

Justice Gavai added, “You ordered an investigation through the SIT. Why did you feel the need to go to the press before the investigation was complete? We expect gods to be kept out of politics.” 

The bench pointed out that Naidu made his claims even before an FIR was filed and the SIT was set up.
The court stated, “We believe it was not right for a high-ranking official to make public statements that could upset millions of people while an investigation is ongoing.”
The court then asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for help in deciding whether the state-appointed SIT should continue its investigation or if it should be given to an independent agency.

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