Tirupati Ladoo Row – The Supreme Court on Friday directed an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations surrounding the Tirupati Laddu controversy, a matter that has stirred concerns among millions of devotees. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director will oversee the probe to ensure transparency and accountability.
Supreme Orders Independent SIT Probe Into Tirupati Laddu Controversy
The court outlined the composition of the SIT, stating that it will include two members from the CBI, two from the Andhra Pradesh state government, and one representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which serves as the expert body for food safety testing. “FSSAI’s inclusion will ensure proper examination of the allegations,” the court said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the trust of devotees.
The court noted the significant faith millions of people place in the Tirupati Laddu, a revered prasadam, and stressed that it did not want the issue to turn into “political drama.” “An independent body will instill confidence,” said the bench, pointing to the sensitive nature of the matter.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy escalated when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu publicly alleged that animal fat had been used in the ghee for making the Tirupati Laddu. These allegations were made before an official investigation report had been submitted, leading to widespread concern among devotees. The court questioned Naidu’s decision to go public with the claims while the probe was still ongoing.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, told the court that any truth to these allegations would be “unacceptable” and suggested that the SIT’s investigation be supervised by a senior central government official.
Earlier, the SIT set up by the Andhra Pradesh government had halted its probe as the case was sub-judice in the Supreme Court. Now, with the formation of the independent SIT, the investigation will resume under judicial oversight.
This ruling aims to resolve the controversy while safeguarding the faith of lakhs of devotees who hold the Tirupati Laddu in high reverence.
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