Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Supreme Court to Weigh in on Alleged Use of Animal Fat

New Delhi :The Supreme Court is set to hear multiple petitions on Monday regarding the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus. This issue gained attention after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in the laddus distributed as ‘prasad’ at the Sri Venkateswara Temple during the previous YSR Congress administration. Petitions have been filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and YV Subba Reddy, a former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). These petitions demand a court-monitored investigation into the matter. The bench comprising Justices B. R. Gavai and K. V. Viswanathan will take up the case for hearing on Monday.
One of the pleas seeks the constitution of a judicial committee or a probe by CBI to look into the alleged “criminal conspiracy and mismanagement” at TTD. The petition highlights the violation of Hindu religious customs and sentiments caused by using non-vegetarian products in the preparation of ‘prasadam’.

The petition also argues that this act goes against the fundamental tenets of Hinduism and infringes upon the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by Article 25 of the Constitution.

As the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus globally, this violation is a serious matter that needs to be addressed by the Supreme Court.