On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for releasing claims without concrete evidence that the renowned laddus at Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati were prepared using contaminated ghee infused with animal fat.
“So what was the need to go to the press at all, when you yourself ordered investigation,” the highest court inquired, adding, “At least, the Gods should be kept away from politics” .
The Supreme Court stated that those in positions of constitutional authority should keep their faith and politics apart, pointing out that Chief Minister Naidu had discussed the issue prior to the filing of a lawsuit or the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Despite the fact that a special investigation team (SIT) was formed on September 26 and a formal complaint was filed on September 25, the Chief Minister made the claim on September 18, according to the court.
Is it appropriate for a statement to have been made that could have impacted the followers’ feelings?At a hearing on a batch of petitions regarding the alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddus, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan stated, “We are of the prima facie view that when investigation was ordered, it was not appropriate for a high constitutional functionary to go public with the information.”
“You placed a SIT order. What’s the point of going to the press until the result? “This is your second appearance for this kind of appearance, you have always had,” the court informed Andhra Pradesh’s lawyer Mukul Rohatgi.
These “are not genuine [bonafide] petitions,” Rohatigi contended. An attempt was made by the old regime to attack the current government. TTD sent their guy a “show cause” notice about the type of goods.
The Supreme Court also questioned the evidence supporting the claim that tainted ghee was used in the Lord Venkateswara Temple’s laddus preparation. Representing the Tirupati Temple, attorney Siddharth Luthra told the bench, “We are investigating,” on this.
Judge Gavai then enquired, “So why was it necessary to contact the media right away? You must show consideration for religious beliefs.
The court further observed that there was no evidence in the study to suggest that the laddus were made with tainted ghee. The court questioned, “The laddu, which tasted different, was that sent to the lab to find out if it contained contaminated material?” after Luthra informed the court that people had complained the laddoo did not taste right.
“Doesn’t prudence dictate that you take a second opinion?” Justice Viswanathan then questioned. Normally, we would get a second opinion. There’s no evidence that the specified ghee was utilized.
The petition was postponed for further hearing till Thursday after the top court instructed Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta to consult the Center for guidance on whether a central agency investigation is necessary.
Three petitions were being heard by the court; the first two were from YV Subba Reddy, the former chairman of TTD and Rajya Sabha, and historian Vikram Sampath. The third plea was from Dushyanth Sridhar, a spiritual discourse speaker and historian.
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