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The Supreme Court of India, in a significant development, has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of laddus at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. This decision stems from a petition filed by the Andhra Pradesh government, accusing the previous administration of using ghee containing animal fat, a practice deemed sacrilegious by many devotees. The court's intervention signifies the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation to allay the concerns of millions of devotees who consider the laddus a sacred offering.
The SIT, as constituted by the court, will be comprised of two officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), two from the Andhra Pradesh Police, and one senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This multi-agency approach ensures a comprehensive and impartial investigation, drawing expertise from different fields. The investigation will be overseen by the director of the CBI, further reinforcing the seriousness with which the court views the matter. The court's decision to establish an SIT, despite an ongoing investigation by the temple authorities, highlights the need for an independent and transparent probe to restore faith in the sanctity of the temple and its offerings.
The court, while emphasizing the importance of an independent investigation, clarified that its order should not be interpreted as questioning the credibility of the state-appointed SIT. The bench acknowledged that the allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the use of adulterated ghee were a matter of public interest and potentially impacted the sentiments of a large population. The court's emphasis on the need to “assuage feelings of crores of people” underscores the importance of faith and religious sentiment in Indian society. The court's order also indicates that the investigation is not intended to prejudge the merits of the allegations or counter-allegations, but rather to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry.
This case has also brought into focus the role and responsibility of high-ranking officials in making statements that can affect public sentiment. The court previously rebuked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for publicly alleging the use of adulterated ghee while the matter was under investigation by the temple authorities. The court expressed concerns about the propriety of making such statements, particularly given their potential to disrupt public order and create unnecessary controversy. This incident highlights the need for responsible communication and the importance of relying on credible information before making public pronouncements on matters of public sensitivity.
Source: Supreme Court orders SIT probe into alleged use of adulterated ghee in Tirupati laddus