The Supreme Court of India criticised the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the controversy over Tirupati temple prasadam, and questioned why the issue was brought to the media before confirming whether adulterated ghee had been used in making prasadam laddoos.

The Supreme Court of India criticised the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the controversy over Tirupati temple prasadam, and questioned why the issue was brought to the media before confirming whether adulterated ghee had been used in making prasadam laddoos. During the hearing, on Monday (September 30), the court questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's decision to make public statements while the matter was still under investigation. The bench told the state government's lawyer that lab tests revealed the ghee tested was already rejected. The case was heard by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, who were hearing several petitions seeking a court-observed investigation into the controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddoos. 'We expect the Gods to be kept away from politics': SC to Andhra Pradesh government "Till outcome of SIT probe, what was the need to go to the press?" the Court asked, according to LiveLaw. "When you have ordered an investigation through the SIT, what was the necessity to go to the press?" Justice Gavai asked the State. He also remarked, "When you hold a constitutional office...we expect the Gods to be kept away from the politics." SC to consider handing Tirupati Laddoo probe to independent agency The Court also indicated it might move the investigation into allegations of ghee adulteration with animal fat at the Tirupati Tirumala Temple from the state to an independent body. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was instructed to come back with instructions on October 3. Also read: War of words between BJP and Cong over Kharge's remark on Indian PM Modi “The petition pertains to sentiments affecting crores of people living in the entire world. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh had gone in public making a statement that the animal fat was being used to make Tirupati laddus under the previous regime,” the Court pointed out. “However, some press reports also show that the Chief Executive Officer of the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam had also made a statement that such an adulterated ghee was never used. The petitions have been filed seeking various prayers including an independent enquiry and directions for regulating the affairs of the religious trusts and specifically the manufacture of prasadam,” it added. Naidu vs Reddy on Tirupati laddoo controversy Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh CM, N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleged that animal fat was used in preparing the sacred prasadam. He said that during Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule, adulterated ghee had been used for making the laddoos at Tirupati temple. The Andhra Pradesh government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. Former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy denied Naidu's claims, accusing him of 'lying' about the Tirupati laddoo prasadam. Also read: Chief Justice of India irked by use of 'yeah, yeah' in court, scolds petitioner, 'This is not a coffee shop' On Friday, Jagan Mohan Reddy cancelled his scheduled visit to Tirumala, accusing the government of issuing notices to his party leaders to prevent them from visiting the temple. “The demon rule is continuing in the state. The government is trying to obstruct my upcoming visit to the Tirumala temple. Police have issued notices to YSRCP leaders across the state regarding the temple visit. The notice states that the visit to the Tirumala temple is not permitted, and the programme organised by YSRCP does not have the necessary approval. Consequently, leaders are not allowed to participate in that programme,” the former chief minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati laddoo row: Supreme Court slams Andhra Pradesh govt, says, ‘Keep God out of politics’

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Tirupati laddoo row: Supreme Court slams Andhra Pradesh govt, says, ‘Keep God out of politics’

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