What was the proof to show that contaminated ghee was used in preparation of laddoos,” SC asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Naidu made public lab reports that alleged the laddus offered to the deity before being distributed daily among Tirupati temple devotees were contaminated with animal and vegetable fat.

Gods should be kept away from politics and sought to know the proof if contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati laddus.

The Supreme Court said prima facie, there is nothing to show at this stage that the ghee used in the sample was used for laddus. The next hearing is on October 3.

The Supreme Court on Monday (30 September) heard a bunch of petitions seeking an independent or court-monitored investigation into allegations of adulteration of Tirupati laddus and sought Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta's advice.

The Supreme Court questioned the need for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister to make a press statement on adulterated ghee being used in Tirupati Laddus without any proof.

SC setback aside, TDP chief hopes to remain one step ahead of allies BJP and JanaSena Party in the Hindutva sweepstakes, puts rival YSRCP on the defensive.

Supreme Court questioned why there was an immediate need to go press with these allegations, emphasising respect for religious sentiments. The court noted that lab reports indicated the tested ghee was rejected.

Naidu claimed earlier this month that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state, triggering a massive political row

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Andhra Pradesh government over the Tirupati Prasadam row, saying what was the need to go to the press when it wasn't clear that adulterated ghee was used for the preparation of the laddus.