Tirupati Temple Body Issues Legal Notices to Vendors for Misuse of GI Tag for Sacred Laddu
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched legal action against several entities for unlawfully using the “Tirupati Laddu” name, serving legal notices to unauthorised vendors and online platforms selling products under the protected Geographical Indication (GI) tag without permission. The move represents the first time in India that a temple prasadam protected under GI law has been defended through formal legal channels.
TTD, through Sahadeva Law Chambers, served notices to multiple offenders, including major online retailers PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited, for violating the GI registration under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
PushMyCart has acknowledged the legal notice and suspended the infringing listings while conducting a legal review of their platform. Several other vendors have also voluntarily removed their listings after receiving TTD’s warnings, indicating the immediate impact of the temple body’s legal intervention.
The notices specifically highlighted violations of exclusive rights to the Tirupati Laddu name and its traditional preparation process, which is legally protected under India’s GI framework.
The legal communication emphasized that Tirupati Laddu is prepared exclusively within the Tirumala temple premises under TTD’s strict supervision, following traditional and sanctified methods passed down through generations. Unauthorised use not only breaches legal protections but also diminishes the spiritual value of this revered prasadam.
Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, J Shymala Rao, stated: “The Tirupati Laddu is not just a product, but a sacred prasadam with deep spiritual and cultural value. We are committed to taking all necessary legal steps to prevent its misuse and to protect the trust of crores of devotees worldwide.”
The action marks a significant precedent in using intellectual property laws to protect religious and cultural heritage. The Tirupati Laddu’s GI tag recognizes its unique preparation method, ingredients, and spiritual significance tied specifically to the Tirumala temple location.
TTD’s legal strategy extends beyond domestic boundaries, with notices being served on international platforms, demonstrating the global reach of protection efforts for this sacred prasadam.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a mark of regional specialty that signifies a product originates from a specific geographic location and possesses qualities, characteristics, or reputation due to its origin. The Tirupati Laddu received this protection to preserve its authenticity and prevent commercial exploitation of its sacred nature.
The legal framework protects both the name and the traditional preparation process, ensuring that only laddus prepared within the temple premises under TTD’s supervision can carry the “Tirupati Laddu” designation.
This legal action sets an important precedent for protecting other religious products and prasadams across India that hold similar spiritual and cultural significance. The successful enforcement of GI protection for temple prasadam could encourage other religious institutions to seek similar legal safeguards.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by religious institutions in the digital age, where unauthorised sellers can easily exploit sacred products for commercial gain through online platforms.
