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Court noted that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister had made a public statement that animal fat was used by the previous regime to make Tirupati laddus
A division bench of the Supreme Court yesterday 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.
"Till the outcome of the SIT why was the necessity for the CM to go to the press..when you hold a constitutional office.. We expect the gods to be kept away from polity...", Justice BR Gavai told Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the TTD trust.
Court further questioned the Trust as to where was the proof that adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of laddu. "As of today, there is nothing to show that this contaminated ghee was used..", Justice KV Vishwanathan observed.
"A SIT was appointed on 26th of September to investigate the FIR registered on 25th. The CMs' statement was made prior to this on 18th of September. We are of the view that when investigation in process it is not appropriate on part of the higher functionary to make a public statement which can affect the sentiment of crores of people", the court further observed.
Court has further 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.
The bench has accordingly kept the petitions before it has part heard and will be hearing the SG's response on Thursday October 3.
Petitioner Dr. Subramanian Swamy's counsel, Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao told court that there was a factual assertion that the ghee used in the making of the prasad was contaminated. It has far reaching effects, can distort harmony and it is my case that quality check should be done before the good's enter the kitchen, court was further told.
"What is the process that TTD trust adopts..if there is question mark on the deity's prasadam, that question mark has to be examined..", Rao added.
After a recent study was conducted on the Ghee used in the laddu, disturbing facts & truth have been revealed that non-vegetarian products, specifically bird meat (kolis), animal fat, 'Lard' (pig fat), fish oil and other impurities were used in the preparation of prasadam during the tenure of the previous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Trust management.
A bunch pf petitions have been filed before 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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