Tirupati Laddu Row: Supreme Court Orders Special Investigation Team with CBI Supervision

Introduction

n a significant development, the Supreme Court has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to probe allegations regarding the use of substandard ghee containing animal fat in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddus. The allegations stem from actions during the previous Andhra Pradesh government under the YSRCP regime, and the matter has raised concerns about hurting religious sentiments globally.

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Supreme Court's Move to Safeguard Religious Sentiments
The Supreme Court's decision came after serious allegations were made regarding the quality of ingredients used in preparing the Tirupati laddus, which are distributed to devotees of the Sri Venkateswara Temple. Given the religious significance of the laddus, the Court noted that these allegations had the potential to hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees worldwide.To ensure an impartial investigation, the bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, stated that a special team would be constituted, comprising two state police officers, a representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and members of the CBI. The investigation will be closely monitored by the CBI director to ensure transparency and independence.

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Concerns About Alleged Use of Substandard Ghee
The row began when reports surfaced that the previous Andhra Pradesh government had allegedly used ghee containing animal fat in the preparation of the laddus, sparking widespread outrage. Devotees, especially those from the Hindu community, view the laddu as a sacred offering, making the quality and purity of its ingredients paramount.The Supreme Court's order to form the SIT and include the CBI in overseeing the probe is a move to assuage the concerns of devotees. By involving the FSSAI, the team will also ensure that the laddus meet food safety standards.

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Conclusion
The Supreme Court's directive to form an SIT, led by the CBI and involving state police and food safety authorities, reflects the gravity of the situation surrounding the Tirupati laddu controversy. With religious sentiments at stake, the investigation aims to address the concerns of millions of devotees and ensure that sacred offerings like the laddu are prepared with utmost care and respect.

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