'What is proof of contaminated ghee in Tirupati Laddus?’ SC asks for Gods to be kept away from politics

New Delhi: Observing that at least the Gods should be kept away from politics, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know what was the proof that contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati Laddus.

The bench is hearing a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati Laddus. About five petitions have been filed so far seeking relief including a court-monitored probe into the allegations and more accountability in Hindu temples managed by government bodies.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan also questioned the need to make a public statement when a probe had already been ordered into the matter. “At least, we expect the Gods to be kept away from politics,” the bench observed.

SC questions CM Naidu over public allegations.

The Supreme Court has criticised the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the use of adulterated ghee for the preparation of laddus offered as prasadam at the Tirumala Temple.

The court questioned the propriety of the CM making such statements when the matter was under investigation.

When you ordered an investigation through the SIT, what was the necessity to go to the press? When you hold a Constitutional office... we expect the Gods to be kept away from the politicians. You get the report in July and on September 18 you go public. Unless you are sure, how did you go public?” Justice Gavai asked the State.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that it was a matter of faith and it was unacceptable if contaminated ghee was used in the preparation of laddus.

The hearing in the matter is underway.

Report from Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed earlier this month that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state, triggering a massive political row.

A report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) lab at Gujarat’s National Dairy Development Board indicated the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig). The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024, and the lab report was dated July 16.

Justice Viswanathan reiterated his observation that these lab tests were routine and they were done to justify the rejection of a ghee stock. There is nothing concrete to show that this ghee sample was used to make the religious offerings, Justice Viswanathan added, saying that it was not the stage for making public comments.

Justice Gavai asked Luthra about the statement of the TTD official that the contaminated ghee was never used and asked him to get specific instructions from the TTD.

TTD version on ghee suppliers

According to TTD, there were five suppliers of ghee to TTD and the rates were between Rs 320 to Rs 411.

The suppliers are Premier Agri Foods, Kriparam Diary, Vaishnavi, Sri Parag Milk, and AR Dairy. Prima facie these rates are not viable rates for supplying pure ghee. All have been warned by the new administration to ensure good quality ghee otherwise samples will be sent to outside labs for testing for adulteration and will be blacklisted if found positive.