Tirupati Laddu: A new SIT will investigate the Tirupati Laddu controversy; The top court said - this is a question of faith, we do not want political drama

Posted on 4th Oct 2024 by rohit kumar

The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a new independent SIT to investigate the allegations of the use of animal fat in making laddus served as prasad at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. According to the Supreme Court order, the SIT will consist of two CBI officers, two Andhra Pradesh Police officers, and a senior FSSAI official. The CBI Director will monitor the SIT investigation.

 

Earlier, during the hearing of the case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the Center told the Supreme Court that if there is any truth in the allegation, it is unacceptable. The Solicitor General said that the SIT should be monitored by a senior central officer, this will increase confidence among the people. The SG said that there are devotees across the country, and there is also food security. I did not receive any complaints against the members of the SIT.

 

On this, the Supreme Court suggested that an independent SIT should be formed. It can have two members each from the CBI and the state government. Apart from this, one member from FSSAI should also be kept on this committee. FSSAI is the most expert apex body in the matter of food testing. The Supreme Court said that this is a question of faith of crores of people. In such a situation, it does not want it to become a political drama. If there is an independent body, trust will be created. The Supreme Court disposed of the petition by remarking that if there is anything, you can knock on the door of the court again till the investigation is pending.

 

The hearing was not held yesterday due to this reason.

 

Earlier the hearing of this case was to be held on Thursday at 3:30 pm. Then Mehta told the bench headed by Justice BR Gavai that if you allow, can I answer at 10:30 am on Friday? The bench accepted the request and said that it would hear the case on Friday.

 

While hearing the case on September 30, the bench had asked Mehta to help decide whether the investigation of the state-appointed SIT should continue or an independent agency should investigate. Also, during the hearing, the Supreme Court had asked what evidence was there to show that adulterated ghee was used in making the laddus. We at least expect that the deities will be kept away from politics. If orders for investigation were given, then what was the need to go to the press? On the Tirupati Laddu controversy, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that this is a matter of faith. If adulterated ghee has been used then it is unacceptable.

 

Many questions were asked to the Andhra Pradesh government.

The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government whether contaminated ghee was used in making the prasad laddus or not? Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the TDP, said that people had complained that the taste of the laddus was not good. The Supreme Court said that people were not aware of this, you have just given a statement. There is no evidence that contaminated ghee was used for Prasad.