The Supreme Court, on Friday, October 4, 2024 directed an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Tirupati Laddu controversy, with oversight from the CBI director.
The court proposed the SIT consist of two members from the CBI, two from the state government, and one representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), citing FSSAI’s expertise in food quality testing.
Recognising the deep religious significance of the issue for millions, the court emphasized its desire to prevent it from becoming “politically charged.” The bench remarked, “An independent body will instill confidence,” and underscored the matter’s impact on the faith of countless devotees.
Previously, the SIT formed by the Andhra Pradesh government paused its inquiry as the case was under judicial consideration.
The bench, led by Justice BR Gavai, clarified that its decision does not reflect distrust in the officers of the Andhra Pradesh SIT.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that if the allegations held any merit, they would be intolerable. He suggested that a senior central official could supervise the SIT’s probe.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, in a statement shared on X, welcomed Supreme Court’s order to form an SIT, stating:
“I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up an SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police, and FSSAI, to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu. Satyamev Jayate. Om Namo Venkatesaya.”
I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police and FSSAI to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu.
Satyamev Jayate.
Om Namo Venkatesaya.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 4, 2024
In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court questioned why Naidu publicly raised concerns about animal fat being used in the ghee for the prasadam before the state’s investigation was complete.
A storm of controversy has erupted over the sacred Tirumala laddu prasadam after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made explosive claims about its preparation. During a meeting in Mangalagiri, Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government compromised the sanctity of the famous Tirupati laddu by using animal fat instead of pure ghee, sparking a public uproar.
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