New Delhi — A petition has been submitted to the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, urging the Supreme Court to intervene in a controversial issue regarding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of the famous Tirumala laddus, a sacred offering at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. This plea arises in light of recent revelations about the presence of beast fat in the ghee used to make the 'Prasadam' offered to devotees at the temple.
The petition highlights unsettling findings that during the tenure of the previous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Trust management, non-vegetarian products, specifically animal fat, were reportedly incorporated into the preparation of the revered 'Prasadam.' Advocate Satyam Singh filed the plea, emphasizing that such practices not only contravene the fundamental principles of Hindu religious customs but also challenge the core of the faith itself.
"Recent examinations have revealed a disturbing truth that non-vegetarian products were used in the preparation of 'Prasadam,' striking at the very heart of our religious practices and beliefs," the petition states. It argues that the use of non-vegetarian ingredients in such sacred offerings undermines the indigenous protection enshrined in Article 25(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees all individuals the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion.
The petition asserts that the preparation and distribution of 'Prasadam' are integral to Hindu religious practices, deeply rooted in tradition and spiritual significance. By compromising this sacred offering with non-vegetarian elements, the temple administration has effectively denied devotees their right to practice their faith as prescribed by their religious beliefs. Citing several Supreme Court judgments that emphasize the importance of protecting essential religious practices, the plea contends that actions fundamental to a religion are safeguarded under the Constitution.
It warns that the issue at hand is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader systemic problem affecting the management of sacred institutions. Moreover, the petition stresses that such violations infringe upon the collective rights of Hindus as a religious community to govern their religious affairs, a right protected under Article 26(b) of the Constitution.
It calls for temples to be managed by individuals who respect and understand the religious customs and sentiments of the devotees, particularly given that these violations occurred under the supervision of government-appointed officials. As the case gains traction, the Supreme Court's response could have far-reaching implications for the management of religious institutions across the country and the preservation of cultural and religious practices vital to the Hindu faith.
