TTD sends legal notice to PushMyCart, online vendors over sale of fake Tirupati Laddus

Tirumala: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated legal action against multiple unauthorised entities found selling or promoting products under the ‘Tirupati Laddu’ name in violation of its registered Geographical Indication (GI).

TTD said the move will help safeguard the sanctity and intellectual property of the sacred Tirupati Laddu.

Legal notices were served through Sahadeva Law Chambers to several online platforms and vendors, including PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited, for unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Tirupati Laddu name and falsely associating their offerings with the temple.

The legal notices highlighted that:

- Tirupati Laddu is a protected GI under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

- The preparation of the laddu is done exclusively within the Tirumala temple under the supervision of TTD, following a time-honoured and sanctified process.

- Unauthorised use and sale of the name not only infringes legal rights but also undermines the spiritual sanctity of the offering.

In response, PushMyCart acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and, showing goodwill, suspended the infringing product listings pending legal review. Several other vendors have also taken down their listings following TTD’s proactive outreach.

TTD EO stated, “The Tirupati Laddu is not just a product, but a sacred prasadam with deep spiritual and cultural value. We are committed to taking all necessary legal steps to prevent its misuse and to protect the trust of crores of devotees worldwide.”

This is among the first instances in India where a temple offering protected under GI law has been defended through formal legal channels on international platforms, the temple board said in a public note. TTD continues to monitor and act against any such violations to preserve the authenticity and sanctity of temple traditions.