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In a significant development that has caught the attention of millions of devotees worldwide, the Supreme Court of India has ordered an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. These laddus are a sacred prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. The probe will be supervised by the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), ensuring a high level of scrutiny and impartiality.
The SIT, as directed by the apex court, will comprise two officers from the CBI, two from the Andhra Pradesh State Police, and a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This diverse composition of the team is expected to bring a balanced and comprehensive approach to the investigation. The controversy erupted following allegations that substandard ghee containing animal fat was used to prepare the laddus during the previous regime of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The Allegations and Public Outcry
The allegations were raised by the current Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, leading to a significant public outcry and a subsequent Supreme Court order for an independent SIT probe. The Supreme Court, in its order, clarified that it had not delved into the allegations or counter-allegations and that its decision should not be construed as a reflection on the independence and fairness of the members of the SIT formed by the Andhra Pradesh Police. The Court emphasized that it would not allow the apex court to become a political battlefield.
The Court’s decision to order an independent SIT probe was influenced by the actions of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister. The Court criticized Naidu for making public statements about the alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati laddus before a thorough investigation was conducted. The Court observed that such statements by a high constitutional functionary could affect public sentiment and the investigation’s fairness.
The Court’s Observations and Decision
The Court noted that the Chief Minister made his statement on September 18, even before the FIR was lodged on September 25 and the SIT was constituted the following day. The Court stated, “We are, prima facie, of the view that it was not appropriate on the part of a high constitutional functionary to go public to make a statement which can affect the sentiment of crores of people and when investigation to find out adulterated ghee was used to make laddus was underway.”
Soon, AP Chief Minister responded in a post on X stating, “I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police and FSSAI to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu.”
I welcome the Honourable Supreme Court’s order of setting up SIT, comprising officers from CBI, AP Police and FSSAI to investigate the issue of adulteration of Tirupati laddu.
Satyamev Jayate.
Om Namo Venkatesaya.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 4, 2024
The Court’s decision to order an independent SIT probe was also influenced by the need to maintain the investigation’s neutrality and respect for the religious sentiments of devotees. The Court stated, “We do not want this to turn into a political drama because the sentiments of crores of people across the world are involved. Therefore, if there is an independent body, everybody will have confidence.”
No wonder, the Supreme Court’s decision to order an independent SIT probe into the Tirupati laddu controversy is a significant development that underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious practices and the need for impartiality in investigations involving sensitive issues. The probe’s outcome will be keenly awaited by millions of devotees worldwide, as it will not only shed light on the allegations but also set a precedent for handling similar controversies in the future.
