Mahaprasadam row: Supreme Court dismisses PIL seeking separate state for Tirupati

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the PIL filed against the Andhra Pradesh Government, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), CBI and others over the Tirupati Laddu controversy.

The Public Interest Petition (PIL) was filed by prominent social activist, Dr KA Paul who is also the President of Global Peace Initiative, dedicated to promoting peace and justice globally.

Petitioner Paul, appeared in person and said that in the interest of millions of devotees of Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy, he sought directions from the court to protect the sanctity and quality of the “laddu” distributed at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

The petitioner said that the TTD should be protected from political interference, and prayed that the Tirupati-Tirumala region be declared a Union Territory.

This would ensure that the administration of this highly revered religious area is directly under the control of the Central Government, safeguarding it from local political manipulation.

A bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice K V Viswanathan asked the petitioner to approach the government for his demands.

The petitioner compares Tirupati to the Vatican City, emphasizing its global significance for Hindus. Given the religious, cultural, and spiritual importance of Tirupati, the petitioner seeks its recognition as a Union Territory or sovereign entity, free from local political interference.

Justice Gavai said, “How can we direct for creation of a new state for 30 lakh people? Go to parliament.

The petitioner said, “This is a violation of Article 25. I have been seeing this since my childhood.”

Justice Gavai said, “Then there has to be a new state for the people of Jagannath Puri and other holy places.

The Petitioner said, “The People of Jagannath Puri are not demanding a special state or territory.

He said that just like the Vatican demanded a special country for the Vatican only for 746 people.

The Petitioner also demanded a CBI inquiry into the procurement of materials for Laddu Prasadam, particularly ghee, to investigate allegations of adulteration and financial irregularities.

Paul also demanded immediate seizure of records and materials involved in the preparation of Laddu Prasadam.

Dr Paul demanded to maintain communal harmony and prevent the politicization of religious matters for electoral gains.

“This is all political game going on, ” Dr Paul said.

The petitioner requested the court to at least put some time limit for the completion of an investigation ordered by this court earlier.

Justice Gavai however dismissed the PIL allowing it to file again.

The petitioner said he will file the review petition again by November 26.

Paul’s name was recommended by the office of the Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Oslo, Norway on January 31, 2006.