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SG Tushar Mehta said that he found no issues with the State SIT members, noting their good reputation and expressing his view that they should be permitted to continue the investigation. However, the Supreme Court opted for an independent SIT to lead the probe
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the SIT appointed by the State Government to look into the Tirupati prasadam issue to be substituted.
The division bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan ordered that the new SIT will be consisting of officers of CBI nominated by the Director, CBI, 2 officers of Andhra Pradesh state police nominated by the State, and a senior officer of FSSAI as nominated by the chairman of the body.
Justice Gavai said that the bench would not allow the court to become a ground for political drama. The allegations leveled can potentially hurt sentiments of people worldwide. The investigation should be conducted by an independent SIT.
On September 30, 2024, the top court had expressed its displeasure over the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu before the press even before the SIT, appointed by the state to look into the Tirupata prasadam issue, came out with a report.
Further, court had then asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist the court on the aspect if the investigation into the Tirupati laddu controversy by the state-appointed SIT should continue or should it be done by an independent authority.
Today, SG Mehta submitted before the top court that in his opinion the State SIT should be allowed to continue the investigation as the current SIT members have good reputation.
A bunch of petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court addressing the controversy that erupted after the ghee used in Tirupati prasadam was found to be adulterated.
Suresh Chavhanke, Editor-in-chief and Managing Director of Sudarshan News, has also approached the top court against this adulteration of the prasadam seeking an investigation into the alleged offence of criminal conspiracy and mismanagement of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust and violation of freedom of conscience and free profession, practise and propagation under Article 25.
As the holy Tirumala Tirupati Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus globally, Chavhanke has also sought the appointment of retired judges for management of temples and shrines.
Case Title: DR. SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY vs. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS
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