The Supreme Court will hear at 10.30 AM today a batch of petitions seeking a Court-monitored investigation into the allegations that adulterated ghee was used to prepare the laddus which are offered as the parasadam at the Tirupati temple.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan will hear the matters.
On the previous hearing date (September 30), the Court had criticised the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the Tirupati laddu even before the investigation into the matter was completed. The Court said that it was a matter affecting the sentiments of crores of devotees and hence, the Chief Minister ought to have been more prudent in making public comments. The Court also observed that there was no conclusive proof yet that animal fat was used to make the laddus, as the lab report prima facie indicated that the impurities were detected in the ghee samples which were rejected.
The bench then expressed doubts about the independence of the Special Investigation Team formed by the State Government and sought the views of the Solicitor General of India on the desirability of a Central investigation. Yesterday, SG sought for time till today and the matter was adjourned.
Petitions have been filed by Dr.Subramanian Swamy, ex-TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, Suresh Chavhanke and Dr.Vikram Sampath.
Follow this page for live-updates from the hearing.
#BREAKING Supreme Court orders an investigation by an independent Special Investigation Team into the Tirupati Laddu case.
SC forms SIT consisting of 2 members of CBI, 2 members of AP State Police and one FSSAI member. SC says SIT probe will be monitored by the CBI Director.
J Gavai: We are passing this order...considering feelings of crores of people having faith in the deity. We direct the SIT to have:
(1) 2 officers of CBI nominated by Director
(2) 2 officers of AP state police
(3) 1 senior officer of FSSAI
J Gavai: In order to assuage...We find that investigation should be conducted by an independent SIT, consisting of reps of state police, CBI and FSSAI. It would also be apt if investigation is carried under director of CBI.
J Gavai: ... have good reputation. He submits that SIT can continue however court may add a central officer. We clarify that we have not gone into allegations and counter-allegations. We will not permit the court to be used as political background
J Gavai: Allegation has potential of hurting sentiments of people worldwide. On last date, we had asked SG to take instructions. Shri Mehta, on instructions, stated that he has found out about credentials of SIT members and all of them ...
J Gavai: FIR is registered, alleging therein that the ghee received in 4 tankers supplied on...by the same supplier...found the ghee to be adulterated. It is alleged that adulterated ghee was used in manufacture of prasadam
J Gavai (dictating): These petitions have been filed seeking reliefs including a direction for constituting a Committee...for the purpose of look into allegations against manufacturer and trust
J Gavai: Both are warring groups...lakhs of devotees' faith involved
Rohatgi: Your lordships may pass that order
Sr Adv Rajshekhar Rao (for petitioners): No objection.
J Gavai: FSSAI because they are most expert apex body, in matters of testing food
Sibal: Very fair. Nobody can object to that.
J Gavai: We don't want this to turn into political drama. If there is independent body, there will be confidence.