The Supreme Court on Friday formed an independent Special Investigation Team including state police and CBI officials to probe the alleged adulteration in making Tirupati laddus. The Court observed the independent probe is being ordered “considering feelings of crores of people having faith in the deity”.
A bench comprising of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan observed it is a serious matter if there is substance in the allegations and an independent probe will instil confidence in the minds of devotees, Live Law reported. Justice Gavai said, “We don't want this to turn into political drama. If there is independent body, there will be confidence,” Live Law reported. The bench observed that the allegation has potential of hurting sentiments of people worldwide.
The apex court said it did not go into allegations and counter-allegations by various political fronts. "We will not permit the court to be used as political background," the bench said.
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Ordering an independent SIT to probe the allegations, the apex court said the investigation will be monitored by the director of Central Probe of Investigation and the SIT will include two CBI officers, two Andhra Pradesh police officials and a senior officer from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Court directed FSSAI chairperson to nominate a person for the probe.
During earlier hearing, the apex court had rapped the Andhra Pradesh government and questioned why did the chief minister went public with the allegations before concluding probe into the matter. "Gods need to be kept away from politics," the bench had said.
