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The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance against the politicization of religious practices, specifically concerning the controversy surrounding the alleged contamination of ghee used in the making of laddoos at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. The court highlighted the need to separate religion and politics, asserting that the Chief Minister's public pronouncements on the issue were inappropriate and lacked sufficient evidence.
The controversy began when a lab report from Gujarat in July suggested the presence of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard in the ghee used at the temple. This sparked a political firestorm in the state, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accusing his political rival, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of being behind the alleged contamination. Naidu even conducted a 'purification' ceremony at the temple. However, the Supreme Court pointed out that the lab report was inconclusive and that there was no definitive proof that the contaminated ghee was actually used to make the laddoos. The court further questioned the timing of Naidu's public statements, noting that he had already ordered an investigation into the matter.
The court's displeasure stemmed from the perceived politicization of the issue, which it deemed a breach of public trust and a disrespect for religious sentiments. The bench emphasized the importance of restraint and decorum in political discourse, particularly when dealing with matters of faith. They highlighted the need for concrete evidence before making public statements, emphasizing the potential for harm to religious feelings and the importance of respecting the ongoing investigation. The court's strong stance against the politicization of the Tirupati laddoos controversy serves as a reminder of the need for responsible political conduct and the importance of safeguarding religious practices from political manipulation.
Source: "Keep Gods Out Of Politics": Supreme Court On Tirupati Laddoo Row