The Supreme Court on Friday has established an independent special investigation team to investigate allegations regarding the use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.
This team will consist of 2 officials each from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Andhra Pradesh Police, along with a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The court’s decision came during a hearing led by Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The bench stated that the SIT’s activities will be overseen by the CBI Director, ensuring a high level of scrutiny and transparency.
During the proceedings, the bench made it clear that it would not permit the case to devolve into a “political battleground.” This assertion reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring that legal matters are treated with the seriousness they deserve, free from political interference. “We don’t want this to turn into a political drama,” the justices noted, underlining their intent to keep the investigation focused on the allegations at hand.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contributed to the discussion by highlighting the gravity of the allegations, asserting that if any truth exists in them, it would be completely unacceptable. He also proposed that a senior official from the central government could oversee the SIT’s investigation, suggesting a potential avenue for enhanced oversight.
Earlier, during a hearing on September 30, the Supreme Court had tasked Mehta with determining whether the investigation led by the state-appointed SIT should proceed or if it should be transferred to an independent agency. The court asked him to reflect on this matter and assist in making a well-informed decision.
This development marks a significant step in addressing public concerns over the integrity of one of the most revered offerings in Hinduism. The investigation aims to clarify the situation surrounding the Tirupati laddus, which are famous for their spiritual significance and are distributed to millions of devotees.
By establishing an SIT and emphasizing judicial oversight, the Supreme Court aims to reassure the public of a fair and impartial investigation. As the case unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the judicial system navigates these serious allegations while maintaining its commitment to neutrality and justice.
