The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a PIL filed by KA Paul, a social activist and head of the Global Peace Initiative, seeking a CBI probe into the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus during the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led administration. The bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, declined the petition, stating it could lead to unnecessary divisive requests.
Paul’s petition cited concerns about corruption and mismanagement, pointing to allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu regarding adulterated ingredients in the laddus, including impure ghee. He argued that such practices harm religious sentiments and violate constitutional religious rights under Article 25.
Previously, the Supreme Court had established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address similar claims regarding the sanctity of the laddu preparation. However, the bench underscored that the judiciary should not become a platform for political conflicts.
