NEW DELHI: In the ongoing Tirupati Laddu case, the Supreme Court on Monday noted that Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke about Tirupati Prasadam before FIR was lodged or SIT was constituted and said to keep the god out of politics.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that the chief minister claimed on September 18 that animal fat was used in making Tirupati laddus 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 court asked Solicitor General Tushar 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. The bench was hearing a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus.
During the hearing, the apex court sought proof that contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati laddus. The bench observed, "At least, we expect the Gods to be kept away from politics."
Mehta told the bench that it was a matter of faith and if contaminated ghee was used in preparation of laddus, it was unacceptable.
The Supreme Court questioned the Andhra Pradesh government regarding evidence that contaminated ghee was utilized in the preparation of prasadam laddus. "If this ghee was used, it's unacceptable. It has to be seen who was responsible, and this needs to be examined," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court, emphasizing the significance of the matter as it pertains to faith.
The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government, "Whether such a statement (by the state) should have been made that affects the sentiments of the devotees? What was the need of going to the press and making public statement when SIT was ordered?"
The Supreme Court stated that there is no prima facie evidence at this stage to indicate that the ghee used in the sample was used for laddus.
According to the Supreme Court's order, the Solicitor General should provide assistance in determining whether the SIT already appointed by the state government should continue the investigation or if an independent agency should conduct the probe.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on October 3.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu's claim earlier this month that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state triggered a massive political row. The YSR Congress Party has accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan noted that the chief minister claimed on September 18 that animal fat was used in making Tirupati laddus 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 court asked Solicitor General Tushar 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. The bench was hearing a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus.
During the hearing, the apex court sought proof that contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati laddus. The bench observed, "At least, we expect the Gods to be kept away from politics."
Mehta told the bench that it was a matter of faith and if contaminated ghee was used in preparation of laddus, it was unacceptable.
The Supreme Court questioned the Andhra Pradesh government regarding evidence that contaminated ghee was utilized in the preparation of prasadam laddus. "If this ghee was used, it's unacceptable. It has to be seen who was responsible, and this needs to be examined," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court, emphasizing the significance of the matter as it pertains to faith.
The Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government, "Whether such a statement (by the state) should have been made that affects the sentiments of the devotees? What was the need of going to the press and making public statement when SIT was ordered?"
The Supreme Court stated that there is no prima facie evidence at this stage to indicate that the ghee used in the sample was used for laddus.
According to the Supreme Court's order, the Solicitor General should provide assistance in determining whether the SIT already appointed by the state government should continue the investigation or if an independent agency should conduct the probe.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on October 3.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu's claim earlier this month that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the state triggered a massive political row. The YSR Congress Party has accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains.
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