Supreme Court has ordered a fresh independent SIT to investigate the allegations of adulteration of ghee used in making laddus of Tirupati.

The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of use of ‘animal fat’ to make laddus which are served as prasadam at Tirupati Temple.

The bench comprised of Justice BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan.

“We are passing this order considering feelings of crores of people having faith in the deity,” said Justice Gavai.

The Supreme Court has directed the SIT to have 2 members from CBI, 2 officers from Andhra Pradesh Police and 1 senior officer from FSSAI. FSSAI are most expert apex body in matters of testing food.

Justice BR Gavai said, “It would also be apt if investigation is carried under director of CBI.”

Supreme Court says it doesn’t want this to turn into political drama. If there is an independent body, there will be confidence.

“We clarify that we have not gone into allegations and counter-allegations. We will not permit the court to be used as political background,” Justice BR Gavai added.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “This is about the faith of devotees.” He said to Supreme Court that if there is any element of truth in the allegation, it’s unacceptable. He told the Supreme Court to have the SIT supervised by some senior central official as it would inspire confidence.

Speaking to ANI on SC’s order, Advocate Satyam Singh said, “Supreme Court has ordered for the independent SIT constituted by 2 people from CBI, 2 from state police and 1 from Food Safety Authority and Supreme Court has disposed of the petition by commenting that if there will be anything you can again approach the court while pendency of the investigation.”