Tirupati laddoo controversy: Supreme Court, on Friday, October 4, directed an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the ongoing Tirupati laddoo controversy, firmly stating that it would not allow the matter to become a platform for political disputes.SC forms SIT for independent probeA bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan set up the SIT, which will include two officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), two from the Andhra Pradesh state police, and one additional CBI officer. The bench emphasized that the investigation will be conducted under the direct supervision of the CBI director.SC wont be a political battlegroundThe apex court made it clear that it will not let the issue devolve into political drama, stating, We will not allow the Supreme Court to be used as a political battleground. It highlighted that the controversy holds the potential to hurt religious sentiments globally. The court underscored the need for an independent investigation to maintain public confidence in the process.In order to ensure fairness and transparency, we believe an independent SIT comprising members from the state police, CBI, and FSSAI should handle the investigation. It is also fitting that this probe is supervised by the CBI director, the bench declared.Pleas for independent probe spark actionThe Supreme Court was responding to multiple pleas seeking an independent inquiry into the Tirupati laddoo issue. Petitioners also sought regulatory measures concerning the religious trust responsible for preparing the sacred prasadam. The courts decision came after previous hearings where the potential impact on public sentiment was a key concern.SG Tushar Mehtas input on SIT supervisionDuring a prior hearing, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, was asked to weigh in on whether the SIT constituted by the Andhra Pradesh state government should proceed with the investigation or if an independent agency was necessary. Mehta informed the court that the existing SIT members had good reputations, and the investigation could continue under their supervision, but suggested the inclusion of a central officer for additional oversight.Earlier criticism of Andhra Pradesh CM Naidus remarksIn an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had expressed strong disapproval of a statement made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu had alleged that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoos during the previous administration led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. The court warned that such statements could deeply affect the sentiments of millions of devotees worldwide.The court noted that the SIT was constituted on September 26 to investigate an FIR filed on September 25, while Naidus controversial statement was made on September 18, prior to the lodging of the FIR.We are, prima facie, of the view that it was inappropriate for a high constitutional functionary to make public statements that could harm the sentiments of millions, especially while the investigation into the adulteration claims was ongoing, the bench had remarked.
