YSR Congress leader YV Subba Reddy has moved the Supreme Court for a court-monitored investigation into allegations of animal fat in the sacred Tirupati Laddu prasadam. The controversy, sparked by a forensic report, has led to widespread outrage among devotees who consider the laddus a significant religious offering.
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NEW DELHI: The ongoing controversy at the revered Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress Party leader and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairperson YV Subba Reddy has taken legal action. He has moved the Supreme Court seeking a comprehensive and court-monitored investigation into allegations that animal fat was found in the iconic Laddu prasadam offered at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.
The controversy began when a forensic laboratory report revealed that traces of animal fat were allegedly detected in the ghee used to prepare the laddus, which are considered sacred offerings by millions of devotees. The revelation has caused widespread outrage, as the laddus are not only a religious offering but also hold immense spiritual significance for the worshippers of Lord Venkateswara, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
YV Subba Reddy, currently a member of the Rajya Sabha, has responded to the controversy by filing a petition with the Supreme Court. In his plea, Reddy has requested either a court-monitored probe or the appointment of a retired Supreme Court judge to lead an independent investigation into the matter. The petition reflects the concerns of millions of devotees who are disturbed by the allegations.
Reddy’s petition goes beyond just seeking an investigation. He has also urged the court to issue directions to both the Central and Andhra Pradesh governments, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The key demand is that authorities –
“Refrain from publicizing or promoting the issue, as it is impacting the sentiments of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees until the inquiry is concluded.”
This statement highlights the sensitive nature of the controversy, which has the potential to impact the faith and devotion of millions of pilgrims visiting the temple each year.
Earlier today, Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy also approached the Supreme Court, seeking intervention in the matter. Dr. Swamy has called for the formation of a court-monitored committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly. His petition is another indicator of the issue’s national significance, as the Tirupati temple is one of the richest and most visited religious sites in the country.
Reddy’s petition has been submitted through Advocate Baani Khanna and drafted by Advocate Palak Bishnoi. Legal experts suggest that the engagement of high-profile advocates highlights the case’s significance. The Supreme Court is anticipated to review the petitions in the coming days, and its decision on whether to initiate a court-monitored investigation or appoint an independent judicial authority is expected to shape the direction of future inquiries.
The allegations regarding the use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus have profoundly impacted the sentiments of devotees throughout India. The Tirupati temple stands not only as a significant religious site but also as a symbol of spiritual faith for millions of Hindus worldwide. The laddus, distributed as prasadam, are viewed as blessed offerings, and any adulteration, especially involving animal products, is perceived as a violation of sacred traditions.
Calls for an independent inquiry are seen as essential to restoring confidence in the sanctity of religious practices at Tirupati. This controversy has ignited discussions about religious purity, the management of temples, and the role of forensic science in verifying the authenticity of religious offerings.
