In response to petitions demanding an investigation into the alleged mixing of animal fat in the Tirupati Balaji’s Prasadam Laddu, the Supreme Court has sought clarification from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Central Government. The court asked whether the State Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Andhra Pradesh government suffices or if an independent agency should handle the investigation. The court will hear the matter again on October 3.
Clarity on Lab Reports Questioned
During the proceedings, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, stated that the government possesses a lab report regarding the case. However, Justice K.V. Vishwanathan expressed concerns, noting that the report lacks clarity.
The court asked why the government chose to go public before concluding the investigation, pointing out that the report was released in July while statements surfaced in September.
Justice BR Gavai further challenged the government’s decision to inform the press before completing the investigation, stating that officials in constitutional positions should refrain from such actions. He emphasized the need to keep religious sentiments separate from political matters.
Concerns Over Ghee Quality and Religious Sentiments
Siddharth Luthra, another senior advocate for the state government, noted that in recent years, the government had started purchasing ghee from private vendors, which led to quality complaints. The court inquired whether the questionable ghee had been used for Prasadam.
Justice Vishwanathan press for proof that this ghee was the one used to make the laddus, asking about the number of contractors involved and whether the approved ghee had been mixed.
The state government inform the court that it conducts a second test before lab testing if a product is deem unsuitable.
Call for Accountability
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stressed that the issue pertains to faith, necessitating an investigation into accountability. Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing petitioner Subramanian Swamy, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the matter requires supervision due to its sensitive nature.
He questioned the implications of making unverified statements regarding adulteration, emphasizing the responsibility of high-ranking officials.
Background of the Petitions
The petitioners, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and YSR Congress Party MP YV Subba Reddy, are demanding the establishment of an SIT chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s allegations.
They also call for legal action against those responsible for undermining public faith and request detailed forensic reports on the materials used in the laddus.
Citing a report from a Gujarat laboratory, the state government claimed that the ghee contained traces of beef, fish oil, and pig fat. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has formed a nine-member SIT to investigate these allegations.
Broader Impact on Hindu Sentiments
Earlier, Hindu Sena chief Surjeet Yadav expressed that revelations of animal fat and fish oil in the Tirupati Laddu have shaken the faith of millions of Hindus. His petition demands strict action against those who have harmed Hindu sentiments, emphasizing that he filed it in the interest of common people who cannot approach the court due to financial constraints.
