The Supreme Court of India has declined to entertain a plea filed by Subramanian Swamy challenging the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to constitute a separate panel to examine aspects of the Tirupati laddu controversy.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the state-appointed committee’s role is administrative in nature and does not interfere with the criminal investigation already carried out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT probe, which was previously directed by the Court, has resulted in the filing of charge sheets.
Swamy had argued that the one-member committee set up by the State could potentially overlap with or undermine the SIT’s findings in connection with allegations regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of the revered Tirupati laddu prasadam. However, the Court found no legal basis to halt the committee’s functioning, noting that both processes operate in distinct spheres.
The judges clarified that while the SIT’s mandate relates to criminal liability, the government panel is tasked with examining administrative lapses, if any. Since the two inquiries serve different purposes, the Court held that there was no justification to interfere with the State’s decision and accordingly rejected the petition.
The controversy traces back to allegations that improper ingredients were used in the preparation of the laddu distributed at the Tirumala temple, an issue that triggered public concern and multiple legal proceedings.
