SC Dismisses PIL seeking CBI Probe into Tirupati Laddus Row

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Friday junked a PIL seeking a CBI probe into alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati ldus under previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan dismissed plea filed by one K A Paul, a social activist and president of organisation 'Global Peace Initiative'.

“Going by your prayer, we will have to create separate states for all temples, gurudwaras etc. We can't direct that a separate state be created for a particular religion. Dismissed,” bench said.

In his plea, Paul h sought seeking a "comprehensive investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into allegations of corruption and mismanment surrounding procurement and preparation of Ldu Prasam".

top court on October 4 h set up a five-member independent SIT to probe allegations of animal fat used in preparing Tirupati ldus to "assu feelings of crores of people" while making clear that court cant be used as a "political battleground".

It h directed that independent SIT will comprise two officers each from CBI and Andhra Presh Police besides a senior official of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Paul, in his PIL, said allegations levelled by Andhra Presh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that substandard ingredients were used in preparation of 'Ldu Prasam', including ulterated ghee, have raised serious concerns among devotees and tarnished sanctity of this sacred offering.

petition underscored growing communal tensions and violation of fundamental religious rights, citing Article 25 of Constitution, which guarantees freedom to practice and propagate religion.

" Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is one of biggest sites for Hindus around world. Ldu Prasam holds immense religious and cultural significance for all Hindus.

"Any compromise on its sanctity t only affects millions of devotees but also tarnishes reputation of this institution. I have filed this petition in interest of devotees and to ensure that political manipulation and corruption do t undermine our sacred tritions" Paul said.

chief minister h claimed that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati ldus under Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in state, triggering a massive political row.

YSR Congress Party accused Naidu of indulging in "heius allegations" for political gains and ruling Telugu Desam Party in state circulating a laboratory report to back its claim.