Supreme Court Orders New Investigation Team for Tirupati Laddu Controversy
The Supreme Court of India has formed a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of adulteration in the famous Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. The controversy arose over claims that animal fat was used in the laddus served at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
Details of the Supreme Court’s Decision
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of millions of devotees worldwide. The new SIT will include two officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), two from the Andhra Pradesh state police, and one from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The CBI director will supervise the SIT.
Reactions to the Verdict
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and urged the SIT to submit its report promptly. He highlighted the hurt sentiments of Hindus due to the alleged adulteration.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stated that there was no issue with the state-formed SIT, suggesting it could be supervised by a central officer. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Andhra Pradesh, supported the state SIT, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal called for an independent investigation due to previous statements by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Background of the Allegations
Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), mentioned that contaminated ghee consignments were delivered in July, with the contract awarded by the previous government.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal matters and ensures justice is served.
Tirupati Laddu -: Tirupati Laddu is a famous sweet offered as ‘prasadam’ at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. Devotees consider it very sacred and special.
Adulteration -: Adulteration means adding something harmful or unwanted to a product. In this case, it refers to claims that something bad was added to the Tirupati Laddu.
SIT -: SIT stands for Special Investigation Team. It is a group of experts formed to investigate serious issues thoroughly.
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s main agency for investigating serious crimes and corruption.
FSSAI -: FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It ensures that food products in India are safe and meet quality standards.
TDP -: TDP stands for Telugu Desam Party, a political party in Andhra Pradesh. They are involved in state politics and governance.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food offered to a deity in Hindu temples and then distributed to devotees. It is considered blessed and sacred.
