India
Supreme Court Rejects Transfer of Tirupati Ghee Trial, Cites Court Immunity
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to move the Tirupati "laddu" adulteration case out of Andhra Pradesh, ruling that courts are immune from political statements made in the case. The order was issued while hearing a transfer petition filed by Machindra Shantaram, a Maharashtra‑based dairy businessman and Managing Director of Malganga Milk and Agro Products Pvt Ltd. Shantaram, represented by senior advocate Siddharth Dave, claimed that repeated remarks by the chief minister and deputy chief minister had created a "politically surcharged atmosphere" that could prejudice his trial. Dave noted that, although a forensic report had ruled out animal fat in the ghee, political leaders continued to make such statements. He also cited a "language barrier" and requested transfer to a neighbouring state, arguing that most accused are from North India.
Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi rejected the prayer, stating that the trial should proceed and that courts are immune from such statements. They added that witnesses are local and that allowing the transfer would frustrate the trial. The bench said no case for shifting the trial had been made out at this stage. The court reminded Shantaram that an impartial probe had already been established with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Andhra Pradesh Police officers since October 2024.
On October 4, 2024, the Supreme Court set up a five‑member independent SIT to investigate allegations of animal fat in Tirupati laddus, aiming to "assuage the feelings of crores of people" while ensuring the court is not used as a "political battleground." The SIT includes two CBI officers, two AP Police officers, and a senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, with the CBI director supervising the probe.
The allegations that animal fat was used in laddus served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, sparked a major political row. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier claimed that animal fat had been used during the previous Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy‑led regime, prompting accusations from the YSR Congress Party that Naidu was making "heinous allegations" for political gain. The ruling Telugu Desam Party circulated a laboratory report to support its claim.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Supreme Court reject the transfer petition for the Tirupati ghee case?
The Court ruled that courts are immune from political statements and that the trial should proceed in Andhra Pradesh, citing lack of evidence for transfer.
What is the composition of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Supreme Court?
The SIT has five members: two CBI officers, two Andhra Pradesh Police officers, and a senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, supervised by the CBI director.
Who filed the transfer petition and what were the main arguments?
Maharashtra dairy businessman Machindra Shantaram filed the petition, arguing that political remarks by the chief minister and deputy chief minister created a politically surcharged atmosphere and that a language barrier and North Indian accused warranted a transfer.