• Source:JND
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Supreme Courton Friday ordered a fresh independent SIT into the allegations of use of animal fat to make laddus to serve as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateswara is worshipped. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Centre suggested to the apex court that if there is any element of truth in the allegation, it's unacceptable. He appealed to SC to allow the SIT to be supervised by some senior central official.

"Devotees are all over the country, food safety is also there. I did not find against members of SIT," said SG.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile responded to it saying it doesn't want a political drama over the incident. It suggested the formation of an independent SIT to investigate the matter.

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"Let there be an independent SIT. It can have 2 members from CBI, 2 from State government and 1 from FSSAI. FSSAI are most expert apex body in matters of testing food," it said.

The court noted that it doesn’t want this to turn into political drama. If there is an independent body, there will be confidence.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Andhra Pradesh, said that they wish to go ahead with the SIT constituted by it and any officer of the court's choice can be added in the team.

"There can be no allegation against the present SIT," said Rohatgi.Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Rajya Sabha MP and Ex-TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, urged the top court for constitution of an independent investigation.

State SIT can't be expected to carry out an independent investigation in light of the prior statements made by the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Sibal said.

The top court was hearing petitions filed by Subramanium Swamy, Rajya Sabha MP and ex TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of non government organisation Hindu Sena Samiti, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, chairman managing director (CMD) and the editor-in-chief of Sudarshan Suresh Chavhnake and others seeking court-monitored investigation into the allegations.

Petitions sought court-monitored investigation into the allegations levelled by TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government regarding the use of adulterated ghee in preparation of laddus at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple during the previous YSRCP regime.

(With inputs from agencies)