Breaking| "Sentiments Of Crores Of People In The World Are Involved": Apex Court Orders Independent SIT Probe Into Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Allegations

The Supreme Court today directed the formation of an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations of adulteration in the Tirupati Temple's Laddu Prasadam.

The Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan said, "We find that investigation should be conducted by an independent SIT, consisting of representatives of state police, CBI and FSSAI. It would also be apt if investigation is carried under the director of CBI."

The Court said, "The SIT is substituted as under: Two officers of the CBI nominated by the Director CBI, two officers of the Andhra Pradesh State police, nominated by the government of Andhra Pradesh, One senior officer of FSSAI."

At the outset, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta submitted, "I have gone through it. I have examined the issue. One thing is clear. If there is any element of truth in this allegation, it's unacceptable. Devotees are all over the country. Food safety is also there. I did not find against the present members of SIT. In fact, I would suggest that a senior official of the Centre may supervise the SIT. The member of the Centre shall be senior to all the members of the present SIT."

Justice Gavai said, "We read in the newspaper, that the Hon'ble CM has no objection if the investigation is conducted by another SIT."

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the State of Andhra Pradesh, submitted, "We wish to go with SIT. Your Lordships may add any officer of your choice. The government, keeping sentiments in view, registered FIR. We don't go by newspapers."

On the contrary, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, submitted, "Yesterday another statement was made...it would be in fitness of things if your Lordships have independent investigation. Had he not made the statement, it would have been another matter. Each statement made in public has an impact."

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the TTD, submitted, "We have discovered now that these goods were not even supplied by the original manufacturer. I have gone through the lab report now more meticulously."

Justice Viswanathan stated that the law says we can always have an Amicus.

Additionally, Justice Gavai said, "Nobody doubts it's a very serious matter if there is substance in allegations."

After taking note of the submissions, the Bench said, "We suggest independent SIT. It can have two from CBI, two from State Government, and one from FSSAI. We can keep the matter pending."

Justice Gavai remarked, "We don't want this to turn into a public drama, the sentiments of crores of people in the world are involved."

The Court noted, "It is allegation in the FIR that the adulterated ghee was used in manufacturing of prasadam/laddus. The allegations in the FIR has potential of hurting the crores of people residing world-wide. On the last date we had directed the SG to take instruction. Mehta on instructions stated that he has found out about the members of the SIT, and therefore suggests that the investigation can be done by the State SIT. However, he suggested that a senior officer of the Centre may supervise the State SIT."

"At the outset, we clarify that we did not go into the allegations and counter-allegation. We clarify that we will not let court be used as a political battle-ground," the Bench said.

On September 30, the Bench had suggested that it might transfer the investigation into the alleged adulteration of Laddu Prasadam of the Tirupati Tirumala Temple from the SIT constituted by the State Government to an independent agency, on account of the public statements made by the Chief Minister about adulteration.