Tirupati Laddu row: The upcoming hearing is anticipated to clarify the next steps in this high-profile case
The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions on Friday concerning allegations of adulteration in Tirupati Laddus, specifically regarding claims of animal fat being used in their preparation. The bench, led by Justice B R Gavai, postponed the hearing at the request of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the Centre.
During the previous hearing, the court instructed Mehta to clarify whether the ongoing investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) should continue or if the case should be transferred to an independent agency.
In light of the Supreme Court’s involvement, the Andhra Pradesh Police have temporarily halted the SIT’s investigation into the alleged adulteration, pending further legal direction.
Earlier this week, during an initial hearing, the Supreme Court observed that there was no prima facie evidence to support claims that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddus during the previous YSRCP administration. The court criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making public statements based on uncertain facts, suggesting he should have “kept the gods away from politics.”
The court noted that such statements could potentially harm the sentiments of millions and emphasized the need for caution when investigations are still underway. It highlighted that Naidu’s remarks on September 18 came prior to the filing of an FIR on September 25 and the subsequent formation of the SIT.
The upcoming hearing is anticipated to clarify the next steps in this high-profile case.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
