Supreme Court postpones hearing on allegations of adulterated ghee in Tirumala Laddu preparation

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing a petition related to allegations of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of Tirumala laddu, a sacred offering to devotees. However, due to the bench being preoccupied with another case, the hearing was adjourned to Friday upon the request of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The petition was filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy, TTD's former chairman and YSR Congress Rajya Sabha member YV Subba Reddy, and two others, seeking an independent investigation into the allegations under the supervision of a former Supreme Court judge. The petitioners argued that remarks made by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had hurt the sentiments of devotees and impacted the sanctity of Tirumala.

A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan took up the matter on Thursday. However, considering the request by the Solicitor General, the court decided to postpone the hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 AM.

The Supreme Court also sought the Central Government's opinion on whether the investigation should continue with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Andhra Pradesh government or if an independent body should be constituted.