The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition related to the ongoing controversy surrounding the adulteration of ghee used for making of Tirumala laddu, stating that it cannot intervene while a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is still underway.
The petition was filed by Manuru Srinivas seeking directions to restrain individuals holding constitutional positions from making comments on the laddu controversy.
He was apparently referring to the statements made by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others on adulteration of ghee with animal fat.
The petitioner argued that despite public statements and allegations regarding the issue, the CBI had not conducted any investigation into such comments.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant rejected the plea, making it clear that the court cannot interfere in the matter while the investigation is pending.
The bench stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted through the CBI only after examining all relevant aspects of the issue.
During the hearing, the petitioner brought to the court’s attention allegations circulating in public discourse that the Tirumala laddu contained animal fat and certain chemicals.
He argued that the controversy could create complications and public concern, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court.
Responding to these claims, the bench questioned the petitioner’s expertise, asking whether he was qualified to assert that animal fat had indeed been mixed in the laddu.
It said since the CBI investigation is in progress, judicial intervention at this stage would not be appropriate.
It advised the petitioner that if he possessed any evidence regarding the allegations, he should submit it directly to the CBI. It said filing of such petitions in matters where investigations are already underway was not appropriate.
With the court declining to entertain the plea, the findings of the ongoing CBI investigation and the report of the commission appointed by the Andhra Pradesh government are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Laddu controversy.
