SC dismisses plea to restrain comments on Tirumala laddu ghee issue

Vijayawada: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to restrain people in higher constitutional positions from making public comments about the Tirumala laddu ghee adulteration issue. The court observed that the petition was nothing but an attempt to reinforce the defence plea in a criminal case that was registered against the suspects, and the investigation was entrusted to the CBI.Manur Srinivas filed a PIL contending that the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the Supreme Court confirmed that there was no animal fat in the ghee used in the preparation of laddu prasadam at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The counsel for Srinivas argued that, despite categorical findings and restraining orders from the apex court, people in higher constitutional positions were making public comments, which led to a law and order situation.The Supreme Court bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the petitioner's counsel whether he was an expert to decide whether the ghee was adulterated or not. The bench said that the petition was nothing but reinforcing the defence of the accused and said that they were not inclined to entertain it, especially when the investigation was still going on.The apex court further said that the petitioner, or any other interested person, could submit material in their possession to the CBI to facilitate the ongoing investigation reaching its logical conclusion, and dismissed the petition.