The Supreme Court of India this day addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the preparation of the famous Tirupati Laddu, a sacred offering at the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh. The court questioned whether the investigation into claims of using substandard ghee should be transferred to an independent agency, as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was asked to assist in this decision.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court reprimanded Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), for making public statements regarding the quality of the ghee used in the laddu. Naidu had previously accused the former government led by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu (YSR) Congress Party of using ghee containing animal fat in the laddus.

Key Points from the Supreme Court Hearing:

• Lack of Evidence: The court questioned the lack of concrete proof to support the claim that contaminated ghee was used in preparing the laddus. “Where is the proof?” the court asked.
• Religion and Politics: The Supreme Court remarked that “at least the Gods should be kept away from politics,” criticizing the politicization of the issue.
• Public Statements: The court expressed concern over Naidu’s public statements while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was still probing the matter. The court asked why the Chief Minister felt the need to go to the press before the investigation was completed.
• Matter of Faith: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized that the issue touches on religious sentiments, stating that using contaminated ghee would be unacceptable.
• SIT Investigation: The court questioned how it could be proven that the same ghee supplier was used for the laddus, as the investigation is still ongoing. Justice Viswanathan queried how the suppliers could be segregated to prove this claim.
• Premature Claims: The court noted that Naidu’s claims about the alleged use of ‘animal fat’ in the ghee were made before the FIR was filed or the SIT was constituted, suggesting the statement may have influenced the investigation.
• Appropriateness of Public Statements: The court emphasized that it was inappropriate for a high-ranking official to make such public statements while the investigation was still underway.
• Next Hearing: The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 3, during which it will consider whether an independent agency should take over the probe.
• Solicitor General’s Role: The court has tasked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta with assisting in the decision of whether the state-appointed SIT should continue with the investigation or if an independent agency should be brought in.

This case raises significant concerns about the intersection of politics, religion, and the judicial process, with the Supreme Court taking a cautious approach in handling such a sensitive issue.

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