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Supreme Court Orders New SIT Probe in Tirupati Laddu Case, Calls for Politically Neutral Investigation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered a fresh investigation into the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddu ingredients, forming a new five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to lead the inquiry. The SIT will comprise officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Andhra Pradesh Police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The case has stirred strong sentiments due to the religious significance of the Tirupati laddu and political tensions in Andhra Pradesh.
The newly formed SIT will consist of two members from the CBI, two from Andhra Pradesh Police, and one representative from FSSAI. The Supreme Court has directed that the investigation be monitored by the CBI Director to ensure transparency and impartiality.
Observing the political undertones in the case, a Supreme Court bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan noted that the court should not be turned into a “political battleground.” The court emphasized that religious issues should remain separate from politics and cautioned against any statements or actions that could disrupt public sentiment and faith. The bench made its decision after hearing multiple petitions, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the matter.
Solicitor General Suggests Supervision by Central Official
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that if there was any truth to the allegations, they would be unacceptable, given the public’s trust in the Tirupati laddu’s purity. He suggested the SIT investigation could be overseen by a senior official from the central government for added credibility and to avoid any possible influence from local politics.
The Supreme Court previously addressed this issue on September 30, when it asked the Solicitor General to advise on whether the ongoing state-led investigation by Andhra Pradesh’s SIT should continue or if a more independent probe was needed.
Chief Minister Naidu’s Statements Questioned
The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made a public statement alleging that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. His comments sparked widespread public outcry and raised concerns about the political motivations behind such accusations.
The Supreme Court took issue with Naidu’s statements, remarking that high-ranking officials should refrain from making public statements that could influence ongoing investigations. The court noted, “We are, prima facie, of the view that it was not appropriate on the part of a high constitutional functionary to go in public to make a statement which can affect the sentiment of crores of people.”
The apex court further pointed out that Naidu’s comments were made on September 18, well before an FIR was filed on September 25 and the SIT was formed on September 26 to look into the matter.
Laboratory Report Findings
A laboratory report, circulated by the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, appeared to support Naidu’s claims by allegedly showing that rejected or substandard ghee was used in the laddus. However, the Supreme Court questioned the reliability of the report, describing it as “not clear at all” and suggesting it may have been preliminary or inconclusive.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Naidu’s allegations were met with backlash from the YSR Congress Party, which accused him of spreading “heinous allegations” for political gain. The YSR Congress has maintained that Naidu’s statements were irresponsible and hurtful, given the religious importance of the Tirupati laddu to millions of devotees.
With the Supreme Court now appointing a new SIT and involving the CBI in overseeing the investigation, the court aims to ensure a fair, unbiased probe that upholds the religious sanctity of the Tirupati laddu and prevents political misuse of the controversy.
The next steps in the investigation, as outlined by the Supreme Court, will determine the authenticity of the claims and ensure that justice is served without any undue influence or public misdirection.
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