The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its displeasure over the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to publicize laboratory reports that allegedly detected animal fat in the ghee used for preparing Tirupati laddoos and prasadam. The court questioned the state’s motive in going to the press before the completion of its investigation.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan admonished the state government for releasing information to the public before concluding its probe. Justice Viswanathan remarked, “If you had already ordered an investigation, what was the need to go to the press? This report prima facie indicates that this is not the material used in the preparation.” He further questioned the purpose behind publicizing the reports when the investigation was still ongoing.
The issue arose after reports surfaced, suggesting that the ghee used in making the renowned Tirupati laddoos, an offering at the Tirumala temple, contained traces of animal fat. The reports led to widespread outrage, triggering a political row in the state.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, contended that the petitions filed in the Supreme Court were politically motivated, claiming that they were intended to discredit the current government. Rohatgi argued that the matter was being used as a political tool by the previous regime to attack the incumbent government.
The court, however, criticized the government’s handling of the situation. “You ordered an SIT. Till the outcome, what is the necessity to go to the press?” Justice Gavai asked. “When you hold a constitutional office, it is expected that you would… We expect Gods to be kept away from polity.”
Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the petitioner, argued that the ghee used for preparing the laddoos had been sourced from private vendors in recent years. He said there were concerns over its quality, prompting the issuance of a show-cause notice to the contractor.
The Supreme Court questioned whether the substandard ghee had indeed been used in the preparation of the prasadam, to which Luthra responded, “We are investigating.”
