The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing controversy regarding the alleged use of animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus, mandating an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be established under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director.
Justice BR Gavai, leading the Bench, announced that the SIT will consist of two CBI officers, two officials from the Andhra Pradesh Police, and a senior representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Key Takeaways On Tirupati Laddus Row
The court emphasized that its directive does not critique the current SIT formed by the Andhra Pradesh Police and does not intend to delve into the merits of the claims and counterclaims surrounding the issue.
“The Supreme Court will not be a platform for political maneuvering,” the Bench asserted, stressing the need for a fair investigation given the matter’s sensitivity to countless devotees worldwide. “An independent body will instill confidence in all parties involved,” the court added.
The hearing was initially for Thursday, where the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to clarify whether the state-led investigation should proceed or reassigned to an impartial agency.
Meanwhile, this request came after the Andhra Pradesh Police paused their own investigation due to the Supreme Court’s involvement.
In a prior session, the Supreme Court noted that insufficient evidence existed to substantiate the claims that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government incorporated animal fat into the laddus.
The court criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for publicly asserting the use of lard before the FIR registration and the SIT establishment, arguing that such statements could exacerbate public sentiment regarding the revered laddus.
The court expressed concern that high-ranking officials should make statements regarding matters of religious significance with utmost caution, especially while investigations are still pending.
The Supreme Court concluded by reiterating the need to handle the situation delicately to prevent it from escalating into a political spectacle.
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