Supreme Court Questions Andhra CM Over Adulterated Ghee Allegations at Tirumala Temple

The Supreme Court queried Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu on public remarks about adulterated ghee used for laddus at Tirumala Temple. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan highlighted the lack of conclusive proof and asked for Solicitor General's assistance on whether an independent investigation is needed.

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticized Naidu, noting the absence of conclusive evidence to support claims of contaminated ghee in prasadam laddus.

The court queried the necessity of Naidu's public statement amid an ongoing state-ordered investigation. Furthermore, they requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain directions from the Centre about the potential requirement for an independent investigation. The matter was adjourned to October 3 at 3:30 PM.

'We are of the view that making such statements during an ongoing investigation is inappropriate,' stated the bench, stressing that these comments could impact the sentiments of millions of devotees. They questioned if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) or an independent agency should handle the probe. The court was addressing a series of petitions demanding a court-monitored investigation into the alleged use of animal fat in the laddus at the temple.

During the hearing, the bench asked if the adulterated laddus were tested and underscored the lack of prima facie evidence showing the ghee in question was used in their preparation. Senior advocates Siddhartha Luthra and Mukul Rohatgi debated lab reports indicating contamination, while Solicitor General remarked about the issue's faith-based sensitivity.

Advocate Rajashekhar Rao emphasized that such statements, unsupported by evidence, could have severe implications. He argued the need for a free and fair inquiry into these claims. The bench was hearing petitions filed by several notable individuals seeking thorough investigation into allegations by the current Andhra Pradesh government about adulterated ghee during the previous regime.