Indian court tells state to keep gods ‘away from politics’

The Supreme Court of India reprimanded the Andhra Pradesh government on Monday, accusing it of inflaming a dispute over the alleged use of animal products in sweets prepared for the famous Tirupati temple, by going to the media without proof of wrongdoing.  

Last week, the southern state’s Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that ‘laddus’ served to mainly vegetarian devotees at the Sri Venkateswara temple were contaminated with animal fat. Laddus are sweets traditionally used as a religious offering in Hinduism.

He cited lab reports indicating that the ghee (clarified butter) used to prepare the sweets contained “beef tallow, fish oil and other impurities.” The allegation cause an uproar, as the Tirupati temple is one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. Prominent priest Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati called the scandal an “attack on Hindu sentiments” and the faith of millions.

In response, the Supreme Court stressed that those holding constitutional office are expected to “exercise restraint.” 

“We expect Gods to be kept away from politics… Prima facie, there is no concrete proof at this stage to show that adulterated ghee was used in the laddus,” justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan said.

The judges noted that there were at least five suppliers of the sweets, and that contamination was only found in one supplier’s product.  The bench questioned the need to release preliminary lab results to the press before completing the investigation, and cautioned that such actions could further inflame public anger. 

Naidu alleged that the previous administration, led by the YSR Congress Party, had permitted the use of animal fat in ghee, a claim the party has vehemently denied, accusing the Andhra Pradesh chief minister of exploiting religious issues for political gain.

The Supreme Court has scheduled another hearing for October 3, at which it will decide whether to allow a state-appointed Special Investigation Team to continue its inquiry, or to use an independent agency.

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