Supreme Court Orders New Investigation Team for Tirumala Temple Laddu Controversy
The Supreme Court of India has formed a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate claims that animal fat was used in making laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. This decision was made by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, who 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 officers from the Andhra Pradesh state police, and a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The CBI director will oversee the SIT, which replaces the previous state-formed SIT.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stated that the state SIT was competent but agreed to the formation of a new team. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Andhra Pradesh, supported the state SIT but was open to adding a court-appointed officer. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing YV Subba Reddy, argued for an independent investigation due to prior statements by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The court was responding to petitions from various individuals, including Subramanium Swamy and YV Subba Reddy, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations made by the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government about adulterated ghee used in temple prasadam during the previous YSRCP regime.
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.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) -: A Special Investigation Team is a group of experts formed to investigate serious cases. They are chosen to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
Tirumala Temple -: The Tirumala Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is visited by millions of devotees.
Laddu -: Laddu is a popular Indian sweet made from flour, sugar, and ghee. It is often offered as a religious offering in temples.
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. It is a political party in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.