Supreme Court orders CBI-led SIT probe into Tirupati Laddu case

The Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), into allegations that substandard ghee containing animal fat was used in preparing the famed Tirupati laddus. These laddus, considered sacred and distributed as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, are consumed by millions of devotees worldwide.

The SIT will consist of two state police officers and one representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and its investigation will be monitored by the CBI director. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan stated that the move was necessary to address the sentiments of millions of people who revere the deity.

While passing the order, the court clarified that it did not question the fairness or independence of the existing state SIT but believed a separate investigation was necessary to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" who might be distressed by the allegations. "Our order should not be construed as a reflection on the independence and fairness of the members of the state SIT. We have constituted the committee only to assuage the feelings of crores of people having faith in the deity," the bench said.

The court refrained from commenting on the merits of the allegations or the political context, emphasizing that the judiciary would not allow itself to be used as a "political battleground" in this sensitive matter. The SIT will look into all aspects of the claims, ensuring transparency and fairness in the investigation.