The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to appoint a one-member commission to investigate the Tirupati laddu controversy.
Swamy had questioned the legality and fairness of the probe panel, arguing that the state government did not have the authority to order such an inquiry into matters related to the famed Tirumala temple. He sought the court’s intervention to set aside the commission, claiming that the issue involved the administration of the temple and the preparation of the laddu prasadam, which falls under a specific religious and statutory framework.
However, the apex court refused to interfere with the state government’s order. The bench observed that there was no valid ground at this stage to halt the functioning of the inquiry panel. It allowed the commission to continue its investigation into the allegations surrounding the preparation and quality of the Tirupati laddu.
The Andhra Pradesh government had earlier constituted the one-member commission to examine complaints and concerns linked to the laddu prasadam prepared by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the affairs of the Tirumala temple. The move came amid a political and public debate over the issue, prompting the government to order a detailed probe.
During the hearing, the court made it clear that the inquiry was only a fact-finding exercise and that there was no immediate reason to stop it. It also indicated that any objections regarding jurisdiction or authority could be raised at an appropriate stage if necessary.
With the Supreme Court declining to stay the commission, the probe into the laddu row will proceed as planned. The decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing controversy, as it gives a green signal to the state-appointed panel to continue its examination of the matter.
