The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition seeking directions to initiate action against individuals or organisations allegedly spreading misinformation through posters or public statements about the Tirumala laddu controversy. The court noted that a criminal investigation into the matter is already underway and said any relevant material should be submitted directly to the investigating agency.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that a criminal case has already been registered in connection with the controversy and that the probe is currently in progress.
During the hearing, the bench indicated that the court’s intervention was not necessary at this stage. It said that if the petitioner or any other concerned individual possesses evidence or relevant information, they are free to place it before the investigating agency so that the probe can reach its logical conclusion.
The controversy relates to allegations that animal fat was used in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddus, a claim that triggered widespread concern among devotees. Earlier, on October 4, 2024, the Supreme Court had constituted a five-member independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations.
At that time, the court said the SIT was being formed to “assuage the feelings of crores of people” affected by the issue. The bench had also cautioned that the court should not be turned into a “political battleground” in relation to the controversy.
With the SIT investigation already in motion and a criminal case registered, the court declined to entertain the latest plea seeking action against those accused of spreading misinformation, directing that any evidence should instead be placed before the investigating authorities.
