The Supreme Court, on 4 October 2024, ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe allegations that substandard ghee containing animal fat was used in the preparation of laddus at the revered Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. The allegations, raised by the Andhra Pradesh government under N Chandrababu Naidu, claimed that the previous government led by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party was responsible for the use of the tainted ghee.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan directed that the SIT would consist of two officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), two from the Andhra Pradesh State Police, and one senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The probe will be conducted under the supervision of the CBI director.
“In order to assuage the feelings of crores of people, we find that an investigation by an independent SIT consisting of representatives from the State police, CBI, and FSSAI shall be done,” the Court said.
The SIT previously appointed by the state government will be replaced by this new team, with appointments made by the respective heads of CBI and FSSAI. The Court emphasized that its order should not be viewed as a reflection on the current state-appointed SIT, stating, “We clarify that our order should not be construed as a reflection on the independence and fairness of the members of the state SIT. We have constituted the committee only to assuage the feelings of crores of people having faith in the deity.”
The hearing was in response to four petitions seeking an independent investigation into the serious allegations. Among the petitioners were former MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy, YSR Congress Party leader and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) chairperson YV Subba Reddy, historian Vikram Sampath, Vedic speaker Dushyanth Sridhar, and news anchor Suresh Chavhanke.
During previous hearings, the Court expressed concern over Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s public statements, which accused the YSR Congress Party of using animal fat in the laddus, despite the lack of conclusive evidence. The Court questioned the CM’s decision to go public without definitive proof, with Justice Gavai stating that the claims “should not have been made prematurely.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, supported the formation of an independent SIT. “If there is any truth in the allegations, it is unacceptable. The sentiments of devotees are spread across the country. Let it be supervised by a senior officer from a Central government force. That will inspire confidence,” he suggested.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, defended the state’s investigation, stating, “We wish to go ahead with the SIT. Any officer of the court’s choice can be added. There can be no allegation against the SIT. We cannot go by some newspaper report.”
However, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing YV Subba Reddy, argued that Chief Minister Naidu’s statements had already compromised the integrity of the investigation. “An impartial independent investigation needs to be ordered,” Sibal said.
The Court underscored the gravity of the allegations, noting the widespread faith in the temple. “Politics is taking over the faith of crores of people,” remarked Solicitor General Mehta, as the Court moved to form the new SIT.
The SIT will now begin its investigation, and the Court will oversee its progress to ensure impartiality and fairness. The case continues to stir political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh, with both sides trading accusations over the issue.
This move by the Supreme Court marks a significant step toward addressing the concerns of millions of devotees and ensuring that the sanctity of one of India’s most revered temples is upheld.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)
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