Tirupati laddu row: Petition filed in Supreme Court over violation of religious rights under Article 25
- In Reports
- 08:56 PM, Sep 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
On September 20th, the Supreme Court addressed a controversy regarding claims that animal fat was used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddus. A lawyer filed a petition arguing that this practice infringes on fundamental Hindu religious customs and deeply offends many devotees who regard the 'prasad' as a sacred blessing. The petitioner contended that the alleged use of animal fat reflects broader systemic problems within temple administration and urged for the preservation of the sanctity of Hindu religious practices.
The controversy started on September 18th when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in the preparation of the popular laddus offered as 'prasad' at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati during the previous YSR Congress administration. Following this, the Andhra Pradesh government referenced a report from a laboratory in Gujarat, which indicated that the ghee used in the laddoos contained traces of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard (pig fat).
In a letter petition submitted to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, lawyer Satyam Singh stated that the allegations regarding the prasad at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have offended the sentiments of devotees. He argued that using animal fat in the laddus violates Article 25 of the Constitution, which ensures the right to freedom of religion and the practice of religious customs.
The petition references several Supreme Court rulings that emphasise the need to protect essential religious practices. It claims that the situation at Tirupati reflects broader systemic issues within temple administration and calls for management that is both dedicated and culturally sensitive.
The lawyer who submitted the letter is also seeking protection for Hindu religious practices and proper management of sacred institutions, urging the Supreme Court to intervene in the issue.
Today even Union Health Minister JP Nadda requested a "detailed report" from Chief Minister Naidu regarding the allegations. The BJP, an ally of Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Jana Sena, has condemned the alleged use of animal fat, calling it an unforgivable sin. Senior leader Bandi Sanjay suggested that this may have occurred due to the inclusion of "a few people from other religions" on the TTD board.
The YSR Congress and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy have dismissed the allegations. In his initial statement regarding the controversy on Friday, Reddy called the claims false and labelled them a diversionary tactic by the TDP. Senior YSR Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, who served as TTD chairman for four years, accused Naidu of undermining the sanctity of the Tirumala shrine.
"Chandrababu Naidu has seriously harmed the sanctity of Tirumala and the faith of millions of Hindus. His remarks about the Tirumala prasad are deeply malicious. No one would make such accusations," Mr. Reddy stated.
He further asserted, "This shows once again that Naidu will go to any lengths for political gain. To reaffirm the faith of the devotees, I, along with my family, am ready to take an oath before the Almighty regarding the Tirumala 'prasad.' Is Chandrababu Naidu willing to do the same with his family?"
Image Source: Ei Muhurte
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