The
Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Chandrababu Naidu-led
Telugu Desam Party government of Andhra Pradesh for prematurely going public
with the allegations about the use of sub-standard ghee in Tirupati temple
during the regime of Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSRCP.
A
bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said there is no conclusive proof
yet to substantiate Naidu’s claim that animal fat was used to make the ghee
that was being used in the preparation of laddoos at the revered Sri
Venkateswara Swamy temple located in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati.
The
top court was hearing the matter in response to the pleas filed by YSRCP and
other petitioners. The court also questioned TDP government's intent of going
to the press with the claims when Naidu himself had already ordered an
investigation into the matter.
“Whether
such a statement should have been made that affects the sentiments of the
devotees? What was the need of going to the press and making a public statement
when SIT was ordered? Prima facie there is nothing at least to show, no
concrete proof to show at this stage, that the same ghee was used and procured.
Even pending investigation when such statements are made by responsible public
functionaries then what effect it will have on the SIT? What was the material?”
the court asked.
The
court, while observing that Gods should be kept away from politics, noted that
the laddoos should have been tested first before making the allegations public.
“We are of the prima facie view that when investigation was ordered, it was not
appropriate for a high constitutional functionary to go public,” it said.
The
top court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to clarify if the SIT
should continue its investigation or if it should be transferred. The matter
will now be heard on October 3.
A
huge controversy erupted after Naidu made serious allegations against Reddy
over the use of adulterated ghee in making laddoos. Reddy had responded by
saying: “Only Naidu can use God for political gains.”