New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Monday heard petitions seeking a court-monitored inquiry into allegations of use of animal fat in making prasad (laddus) at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala. During the hearing, the Supreme Court asked what was the evidence to show that adulterated ghee was used in making the laddus. We at least hope that the gods will be kept away from politics. If an inquiry was ordered then what was the need to go to the press? On the Tirupati Laddu controversy, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that it is a matter of faith. If adulterated ghee has been used then it is unacceptable.
Senior advocate Rajasekhar Rao, representing petitioner Subramaniam Swamy, said he has come here as a devotee. Statements made in the press regarding adulteration of Prasad can have far reaching consequences and may also raise many other issues. Not only this, it can also spoil communal harmony. This is a matter of concern. If there is a question mark on God’s offerings then it should be investigated. On this, the Supreme Court told the lawyer of Andhra Pradesh government that the laboratory report shows that the ghee which was tested was sidelined. He asked the state what was the need to go to the press after ordering the SIT investigation? The Supreme Court also asked the Andhra Pradesh government that what was the need to go to the press until the results of the SIT investigation came out?
The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government whether contaminated ghee was used in making Prasad laddus or not? Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for TDP, said that people had complained that the taste of laddus was not good. The Supreme Court said that people were not aware of this, you have just given a statement. There is no evidence that contaminated ghee was used for prasad.