The Supreme Court has scheduled an urgent hearing for Friday on a series of pleas demanding a court-monitored investigation into allegations that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. This decision follows a request from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to advance the case to 10:30 AM, from its initial slot later in the day.
Justice B.R. Gavai, who heads the bench overseeing the matter, agreed to the Solicitor General’s request to reschedule, marking the case for expedited review given its sensitive nature.
The controversy gained momentum following statements by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who alleged that the previous administration under Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy permitted the use of animal fat in the sacred offerings at the Tirupati temple. This accusation has stirred considerable public and political unrest, given the laddus’ cultural and religious significance.
During a preliminary hearing on September 30, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the involvement of deities in political disputes and highlighted the need for clarity in the laboratory tests conducted on the laddus. The tests, according to the court, were inconclusive and had examined “rejected ghee,” leading to further confusion about the authenticity of the ingredients used.
The state responded by registering an FIR on September 25 and subsequently forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on September 26 to thoroughly investigate the claims. However, the Supreme Court has questioned the effectiveness of the SIT, hinting at the possibility of involving an independent agency to ensure an unbiased investigation.
