The Supreme Court has ordered an independent probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the allegations of using animal fat in laddoos served as prasad at the Tirupati temple. The SIT will comprise two CBI officers, two state police officials and a senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the central food regulator, the court said.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said it does not want a political drama over this matter since it is a matter of faith for millions of devotees across the world.
The allegations have the potential of hurting sentiments of people worldwide, the bench said, but did not go into the political charges.
“We clarify that we have not gone into allegations and counter-allegations. We will not permit the court to be used as political battleground,” said Justice Gavai.
The case stems from an allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was used in the making of the laddoos at the temple during the previous regime led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the centre, told the court it was unacceptable since devotees from across the country visit the temple and there are food safety reasons as well. “Nobody doubts it’s a very serious matter if there is substance in allegations,” observed Justice Gavai.
After Mr Mehta submitted there was nothing wrong with the state SIT that’s probing the charges and it could be supervised by a central officer, the court ordered an independent SIT probe including officers from the CBI, state government, and FSSAI.
“FSSAI is the most expert apex body in matters of testing food. We don’t want this to turn into political drama. If there is independent body, there will be confidence,” said Justice Gavai.
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