A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking an investigation into the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. The plea seeks the formation of a committee, headed by either a retired Supreme Court judge or a former Chief Justice of a High Court, to probe the matter.

The petition was filed after allegations surfaced that animal fat was used in place of ghee to prepare the laddus offered as prasadam at the renowned Tirumala Tirupati Temple. The petitioner, Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke, Editor of Sudarshan News TV, contended that using non-vegetarian ingredients in the prasadam violated the fundamental rights of devotees under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which ensure the freedom of religion and the right of religious denominations to manage their own religious affairs.

The petitioner argued that the issue is of critical significance to millions of devotees and requires urgent intervention from the Supreme Court to safeguard the sanctity of religious practices and restore trust in the temple administration.

The petitioner further sought an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another central agency to probe any potential criminal conspiracy or corruption surrounding the incident.

Additionally, the petitioner called for the appointment of a retired Supreme Court judge or former Chief Justice of a High Court to oversee the management of temples and shrines, ensuring transparency and strict adherence to religious customs.

The petition was filed by Suresh Khanderao Chavhanke through his advocates Satyam Singh Rajput, Rajeev Ranjan, and AOR Nikhil Beniwal.