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- Tirupati Laddu Row Supreme Court Hearing Live: SC orders independent SIT as 'sentiments of crores of devotees involved'
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Oct 04, 2024, 13:12:16 IST
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Tirupati Laddu Row Supreme Court Hearing Live: SC orders independent SIT as 'sentiments of crores of devotees involved'
Tirupati Laddu Row Court Hearing Live: The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions today calling for a court-monitored investigation into allegations of animal fat being used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. Meanwhile, in a previous hearing on Monday, the court questioned the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's decision to publicly comment on the controversy before any concrete findings had been made.
The court noted that there was no justification for the chief minister to make public statements when it had not been confirmed whether adulterated ghee had been used in the making of the prasad (Tirupati laddus). The Supreme Court emphasized that the controversy revolves around matters of faith and warned against political interference in such sensitive issues.
In response to the case, the Supreme Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), initially appointed to investigate the matter, to halt its probe. The bench hinted that the investigation may be handed over to a reappointed SIT under the Central government’s oversight. The court also expressed its disappointment with the Andhra Pradesh government for politicizing the issue.
Justice Gavai, addressing the Andhra Pradesh government, stated, "We expect Gods to be kept away from politics," questioning why the Chief Minister went to the press when the outcome of the investigation was still pending. Justice Viswanathan further questioned the need for public statements without being certain of the facts, asking, "Unless you were sure, how did you go to public with that? What was the purpose of the investigation?"
The court noted that there was no justification for the chief minister to make public statements when it had not been confirmed whether adulterated ghee had been used in the making of the prasad (Tirupati laddus). The Supreme Court emphasized that the controversy revolves around matters of faith and warned against political interference in such sensitive issues.
In response to the case, the Supreme Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), initially appointed to investigate the matter, to halt its probe. The bench hinted that the investigation may be handed over to a reappointed SIT under the Central government’s oversight. The court also expressed its disappointment with the Andhra Pradesh government for politicizing the issue.
Justice Gavai, addressing the Andhra Pradesh government, stated, "We expect Gods to be kept away from politics," questioning why the Chief Minister went to the press when the outcome of the investigation was still pending. Justice Viswanathan further questioned the need for public statements without being certain of the facts, asking, "Unless you were sure, how did you go to public with that? What was the purpose of the investigation?"
13:12 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: Andhra CM welcomes SC decision of independent SIT
12:02 (IST) Oct 04
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the formation of an independent Special Investigative Team (SIT) to probe into allegations of animal fat in Tirupati temple laddus. The apex court said that the sentiments of crores of devotees is involved and hence an independent team should replace the SIT formed by Andhra Pradesh government.
11:59 (IST) Oct 04
TDP welcomes SC's decision on constituting independent SIT to probe into allegations of use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus
11:24 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: Independent SIT set up as 'sentiments of crores of devotees involved'
SC said it set up independent SIT as sentiments of crores of devotees across the world are involved with Tirupati prasadam. Earlier solicitor general Tushar Mehta told SC that there was nothing wrong with the state-SIT and that it could be supervised by an officer from Centre.
11:13 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: Will not allow court to be used as political battleground, says SC
Justices B R Gavai & K V Viswanathan said SC hasn't gone into merits of allegations and counters on alleged adulteration of the laddus. "We won't allow SC to be used for political drama," SC said and disposed of all petitions saying it's SIT will replace the one set up by AP.
11:12 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: SC sets up independent SIT to probe laddu controversy
Supreme Court sets up independent SIT comprising two CBI officers and two AP police officers and a sr Food Safety and Standrad Authority of India (FSSAI) officer to probe controversy relating to alleged adulteration of famous Titrupati laddu prasadam. CBI director to supervise SIT probe.
11:07 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: Advocate Rohatgi says CM Naidu's statement taken out of context
Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the Tirupati Temple, informed the court that the service tax department has provided information indicating that the goods in question were not even supplied by the original supplier, and the details are now available.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that had the chief minister not made the statement, it would have been a different matter. He emphasizes the need for an impartial and independent investigation to be ordered. Senior advocate Rohatgi replied that the statement, which was made in September on the completion of 100 days of the government, was not related to the report in this case, which came out in July. He contended that the CM was speaking about the completion of 100 days of the government and that the media had taken only four lines out of context.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that had the chief minister not made the statement, it would have been a different matter. He emphasizes the need for an impartial and independent investigation to be ordered. Senior advocate Rohatgi replied that the statement, which was made in September on the completion of 100 days of the government, was not related to the report in this case, which came out in July. He contended that the CM was speaking about the completion of 100 days of the government and that the media had taken only four lines out of context.
11:02 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: 'Devotees are all over the country, food safety also there' says SG
The solicitor general of India, Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, has suggested to the Supreme Court that if there is any truth to the allegations, it is unacceptable. He proposes that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) be supervised by a senior central official to inspire confidence in the investigation.
The SG also pointed out that devotees are spread across the country and food safety is a concern. He states that he did not find anything against the members of the SIT.
The SG also pointed out that devotees are spread across the country and food safety is a concern. He states that he did not find anything against the members of the SIT.
10:47 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: Hearing begins
Supreme Court begins hearing a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of use of animal fat to make laddus to serve as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateswara is worshipped.
10:30 (IST) Oct 04
Tirupati laddus row: SC to continue hearing shortly
The Supreme Court, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, strongly criticised the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, for his actions regarding the disclosure of information about adulterated ghee. The bench took issue with the premature nature of the chief minister's public statements on the matter.
17:24 (IST) Oct 03
Tirupati laddus row: SC to hear on Friday pleas seeking court-monitored probe
The Supreme Court will hear on Friday a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested the apex court, which was scheduled to hear the matter at 3.30 pm on Thursday, that the case be taken up at 10.30 am on Friday.
"If your lordships permit, can I respond at 10.30 am sharp tomorrow," Mehta told the bench headed by Justice B R Gavai.
The bench agreed to the request and said that it would hear the matter on Friday.
Hearing the matter on September 30, the top court had asked Mehta to assist it in deciding whether the investigation by the state-appointed SIT should continue or the probe should be conducted by an independent agency.
It had asked the top law officer to ponder over the issue and assist it in this regard.
On September 30, the bench had observed that Gods should be kept away from politics.
It had questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's public statement that animal fat was allegedly used in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.
The apex court had said the laboratory test report was "not clear at all" and it prima facie indicated that 'rejected ghee' was subjected to test.
It had noted that according to the state, an FIR was registered on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted on September 26 to probe the matter.
"If your lordships permit, can I respond at 10.30 am sharp tomorrow," Mehta told the bench headed by Justice B R Gavai.
The bench agreed to the request and said that it would hear the matter on Friday.
Hearing the matter on September 30, the top court had asked Mehta to assist it in deciding whether the investigation by the state-appointed SIT should continue or the probe should be conducted by an independent agency.
It had asked the top law officer to ponder over the issue and assist it in this regard.
On September 30, the bench had observed that Gods should be kept away from politics.
It had questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's public statement that animal fat was allegedly used in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.
The apex court had said the laboratory test report was "not clear at all" and it prima facie indicated that 'rejected ghee' was subjected to test.
It had noted that according to the state, an FIR was registered on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted on September 26 to probe the matter.
15:50 (IST) Oct 03
Tirupati Laddu Row: SC pushes hearing on temple prasadam controversy to October 4
Supreme Court adjourns for October 4 the hearing of a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of use of animal fat to make laddus to serve as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateswara is worshipped.
11:01 (IST) Oct 03
Tirupati Laddu Row Live: Plea seeking independent inquiry
Another plea seeks the appointment of a committee under direct monitoring of the Supreme Court or appointment of a retired SC judge with other experts to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the ghee in Tirupati Tirumala Temple. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the adulteration of ghee used for making Tirupati laddu.
10:12 (IST) Oct 03
The Supreme Court on Monday rebuked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the use of contaminated ghee in Tirupati laddus without concrete evidence. The court said that politics should not interfere with matters of faith and noted that no proof was found to support the claim. The bench questioned the state government and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on how they concluded that adulterated ghee was used, given that the prasadam had not been tested.
10:10 (IST) Oct 03
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in making Tirupati laddus, stating that at least the Gods should be kept out of politics.
The court sought proof of the claim and noted that the chief minister made the statement on September 18, despite the FIR being lodged on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) being constituted on September 26.During the hearing of a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus, the apex court expressed concerns about the report cited by the Andhra government to support their claim.
The court sought proof of the claim and noted that the chief minister made the statement on September 18, despite the FIR being lodged on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) being constituted on September 26.During the hearing of a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus, the apex court expressed concerns about the report cited by the Andhra government to support their claim.
10:08 (IST) Oct 03
Tirupati Laddu Row Live: SIT probe into Tirupati Laddu adulteration temporarily suspended pending SC hearing
Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao announced on Tuesday that the investigation into the alleged adulteration of ghee in the preparation of Tirupati laddus has been temporarily halted. The Supreme Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to suspend its probe until the next hearing on October 3. The SIT, led by Guntur IG Sarvashresth Tripathi, had launched the investigation a week ago, conducting inspections at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' godown and testing facilities. The probe's progress now depends on the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings
09:58 (IST) Oct 03
Tirupati Laddu Row Live: SC questions AP CM's claim, says keep Gods out of politics
Observing that at least the Gods should be kept out of politics, the Supreme Court on Monday questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in making Tirupati laddus and sought proof of it. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that the chief minister made the claim on September 18, even though the FIR in the matter was lodged on September 25 and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted on September 26. " ...it was not appropriate on the part of a higher constitutional functionary to go in public and make a statement which can affect the sentiments of crores of people," the bench said.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions today seeking a court-monitored probe into claims that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. In a previous hearing, the court criticized the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for publicly commenting on the issue before confirming whether adulterated ghee had been used. The court halted the ongoing SIT investigation and suggested the matter may be handed over to a central SIT, emphasizing the need to avoid politicizing issues of faith.
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