New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday, September 30, said that people who hold constitutional office are ‘expected to keep gods away from politics.’ These remarks come as the top court heard a batch of petitions regarding seeking a court-monitored investigation in the alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
During the hearing of the matter, the Supreme Court told the Andhra Pradesh government, “At least the Gods should be kept away from politics.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that this a ‘matter of faith,’ and if this ghee was used then it was unacceptable.
Responding to Mehta, the Supreme Court told Mehta that it would like him to examine as to whether an investigation should be conducted by State constituted SIT.
“Whether such a statement (by State) should have been made that affects the sentiments of the devotees? What was the need to go to the press and make a public statement when SIT was ordered? it said.
What is Tirupati Laddu Controversy?
The iconic Tirupati laddus, prepared in the temple kitchen known as ‘potu’, are made using a rich blend of ingredients. Located in the ‘sampangi pradakshinam’, the kitchen produces these treats with an impressive monthly requirement of 42,000 kilograms of ghee, 22,500 kilograms of cashew nuts, 15,000 kilograms of raisins, and 6,000 kilograms of cardamom, along with gram flour, sugar, and sugar candy. However, a recent controversy has emerged regarding the sourcing of ghee.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board previously procured ghee from the Karnataka Milk Federation, but that supply ceased four years ago due to pricing disputes. Reports indicate that the Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, raised milk prices by ₹3 per litre, making it challenging for the federation to offer ghee at competitive rates for the TTD.
Their contract was reportedly renewed only after Mr. Naidu’s TDP returned to power.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the temple board sought a supplier from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, whose ghee allegedly contained traces of animal fat.
Tirupati laddus are protected by a ‘Geographical Indication’ tag, which identifies the product as originating from a specific region.
This tag serves as an intellectual property right (IPR), ensuring that only authorized users can use the name.
