MD Of Sudarshan News Files Plea In Apex Court Seeking Probe Into Alleged Use Of Non-Vegetarian Products In Tirupati Prasadam

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking the formation of a committee of retired Supreme Court judges or Chief Justices of High Courts to investigate allegations of adulteration in the preparation of the famed Tirupati Laddu, a 'prasadam' offered at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The petition, filed by Suresh Chavhanke, a social activist and Managing Director of Sudarshan News, through Advocate Satyam Singh, claims that a recent study has uncovered disturbing revelations regarding the ghee used in the laddu's preparation.

It alleges that non-vegetarian products, including bird meat, animal fat, pig fat (lard), and fish oil, were used during the tenure of the previous TTD management, in violation of Hindu religious customs.

The plea also seeks an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter, asserting that the use of non-vegetarian ingredients in the sacred prasadam violates Articles 25 and 26(b) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religious practice and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.

Chavhanke's petition argues that the contamination of the Prasadam, a core part of Hindu religious rituals, constitutes an infringement on the fundamental religious rights of devotees. He contends that this violation is not an isolated incident but reflects broader systemic issues within the management of Hindu religious institutions. The plea highlights the spiritual significance of the Tirupati Temple and urges for culturally sensitive management of sacred institutions.

"The preparation and distribution of prasadam is an integral part of Hindu religious practice, deeply rooted in tradition and spiritual significance. By contaminating this sacred offering with non-vegetarian elements, the temple management has effectively denied devotees their right to practice their religion as prescribed by their faith as per the Constitution of India. This egregious violation at the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is not merely an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger, systemic issue plaguing the management of our sacred institutions. It brings to light the pressing need for devoted and culturally sensitive management of our temples," the petition reads. 

The petition refers to earlier Supreme Court rulings, such as Shri Jagannath Temple Puri Management Committee vs. Chintamani Khuntia (1997), underscoring the need for the judiciary to safeguard the sanctity of temples, and Sri Venkataramana Devaru v. State of Mysore (1958), which discussed the religious rights of denominations in temple management.

Cause Title: Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke v. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust & Ors.