On October 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of India ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into allegations of adulteration in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, a revered prasadam offered at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
The SIT will comprise of two members from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), two from the Andhra Pradesh Police, and one from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Why did the Supreme Court not consider the SIT constituted by the AP government?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had submitted to the bench that the current SIT constituted by the AP government is competent and qualified but suggested that members from the central government could give a national perspective on the matter, as the issue in contention is important to devotees all over.
The Supreme Court’s move was also to distance the probe from any potential political interference, as some petitioners have questioned the efficacy of the state government-constituted SIT.
Several petitions were filed regarding the issue, notably from Subramanian Swamy and YV Subba Reddy, former Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The apex court also remarked that it would not allow its premises to become a political battleground.
Reaction
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who had initially raised the allegations, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. He expressed hope that the investigation would bring clarity and justice, addressing the sentiments of millions of devotees.
On the other hand, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSRCP, accused Mr. Naidu of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain and sought an apology for what he termed false claims.