New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a pivotal case today concerning the distribution of the famed Tirupati Laddu, the revered prasadam offered at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The iconic laddu, a symbol of devotion for millions of pilgrims, has become the center of legal debates surrounding its distribution, pricing, and its status as a protected “geographical indication” (GI) product.
The case has garnered national attention, with petitioners raising concerns over whether temple authorities are upholding the sanctity of the laddu while ensuring fair distribution. Key issues include quality control, pricing transparency, and the prevention of commercial exploitation in the open market.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), responsible for managing the temple, has defended its current practices, asserting that they maintain the laddu’s sacred status while ensuring equitable access for devotees. However, critics argue that the prasadam’s commercial aspects have overshadowed its religious significance.
As the court prepares to deliver its ruling, millions of devotees and the temple administration are awaiting the verdict, which could have far-reaching implications for the future distribution and sanctity of the Tirupati Laddu.