Supreme Court Urges Separation of Religion and Politics Amid Tirupati Prasadam Controversy

The Supreme Court criticizes the Andhra Pradesh government for involving politics in the 'Tirupati Prasadam' row and questions the need for public statements before the SIT report. Concerns revolve around allegations of contaminated ghee used in prasadam at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

On Monday, the Supreme Court criticized the Andhra Pradesh government for involving politics in the 'Tirupati Prasadam' row, emphasizing that 'Gods should be kept away from politics.' The apex court pulled up the state government for going to the press regarding allegations of animal fat used in the laddus served at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.

The court questioned the state's necessity to publicize the issue when lab reports indicated that the ghee subjected to testing was inconclusive. The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government's counsel why the press was approached after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe had been ordered. It questioned the need for public statements pending the SIT's findings.

The counsel responded that the government was investigating the issue. The court inquired about the authenticity of claims that the contaminated ghee was used in prasadam preparation. Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), mentioned complaints about the laddu's taste but lacked concrete evidence. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called for an investigation, emphasizing the matter's faith-based significance.

The Supreme Court emphasized that any statements affecting devotees' sentiments were premature, noting no proof at this stage that the ghee used in the sample was indeed for the laddus. The order directed the Solicitor General to assist in deciding whether the state-appointed SIT should continue or if an independent agency should probe the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)