Controversy Surrounding Tirupati Laddus: Allegations and Investigations

The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into allegations of use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the former YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan rejected the plea of ​​social activist KA Paul, who argued that corruption and mismanagement had tarnished this sacred Hindu offering.

Paul’s petition alleges that substandard ingredients, including pure oil, were used in the previous regime, raising concerns among devotees and sparking communal tensions. He referred to Article 25 of the Constitution, which emphasizes the fundamental right to freedom of religion. The rejected plea underscores the increasing intersection of political manipulation and religious grievances in the dynamics of the state.

In response to the allegations, the court had earlier constituted a five-member SIT to independently investigate the allegations. These include members of the CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police and a senior FSSAI official. The controversy has sparked political discourse, which has intensified with accusations from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the YSR Congress Party, indicating an ongoing feud affecting religious and cultural sentiments.

(With input from institutions.)