Tirupati Laddu Controversy: The Supreme Court, during its hearing, stated that the SIT will comprise officers from the CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police, and the FSSAI.
Tirupati Laddu Case Hearing: On Friday, the Supreme Court ordered a fresh investigation into the Tirupati laddu controversy and formed a new five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT will include officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation, Andhra Pradesh Police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The SIT will include two members from the CBI, two from the Andhra Pradesh Police, and one from the FSSAI. The Supreme Court also stated that the investigation will be overseen by the CBI director.
Noting that it will not permit the court to be used as a “political battleground,” a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued the order regarding a series of petitions, including requests for a court-monitored investigation into the matter.
“We do not want this to escalate into a political drama,” the bench remarked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that any truth in the allegations would be unacceptable. He proposed that the SIT’s investigation could be overseen by a senior official from the central government.
During the hearing on September 30, the Supreme Court requested Tushar Mehta’s assistance in determining whether the investigation by the state-appointed SIT should proceed or if it should be conducted by an independent agency.
The court had asked the top law officer to reflect on the issue and provide assistance in this matter.
Supreme Court Questions CM Chandrababu Naidu
The bench remarked that divinity should remain separate from politics while questioning Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s public claim that animal fat was allegedly used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy administration.
The Supreme Court stated that the laboratory test report was “not clear at all” and suggested that it indicated “rejected ghee” had been tested.
The court noted that, according to the state, an FIR was filed on September 25, and a special investigation team (SIT) was established on September 26 to investigate the matter.
“It appears that the Chief Minister made a statement on September 18, which was before the FIR was registered on September 25 and the SIT was formed on September 26,” the bench observed.
“We are, prima facie, of the opinion that it was inappropriate for a high constitutional official to make a public statement that could influence the sentiments of millions while an investigation into the use of adulterated ghee in making laddus was ongoing,” it added.
Chandrababu Naidu’s Claims
Earlier this month, Chandrababu Naidu asserted that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Reddy-led government in the state, igniting a significant political controversy.
The YSR Congress Party has accused Naidu of making “heinous allegations” for political advantage, while the ruling Telugu Desam Party has circulated a laboratory report to support its claims.
