The Supreme Court dismissed a petition demanding a CBI inquiry into alleged corruption in the Tirupati Balaji Laddu Prasadam preparation. Social activist Dr. KA Paul, president of Global Peace Initiative, had filed the PIL, urging the court to address concerns over corruption and mismanagement in the laddu’s production. However, a bench led by Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan ruled that a CBI probe cannot be directed in this matter.
Court Cites Constraints in Religious Matters
The court, while dismissing the petition, emphasized that issuing separate arrangements for temples and religious institutions would set a complex precedent. The bench noted that the petition, if allowed, could lead to requests for similar investigations across various religious sites. It concluded that mandating a separate inquiry for one particular religion would be beyond its jurisdiction, hence rejecting the plea.
Petitioner Cites Devotee Concerns in Tirupati Laddu Controversy
In his plea, Dr. Paul highlighted allegations of improper practices that he claimed tarnished the sanctity of the institution, citing Article 25 on religious freedoms. He expressed that such practices could harm the faith of millions of devotees and aggravate communal tensions. The petition referenced past concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and urged the court to ensure the purity of Prasadam.
On October 4, the Supreme Court had already constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address specific allegations of contamination in the preparation of Tirupati Laddus. The bench reiterated its stance against using the judiciary for political disputes, asserting the court’s focus on upholding legal principles.
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