Supreme Court stays Andhra Pradesh High Court’s order against CBI Director in Tirupati laddu case

The Supreme Court of India, on September 26, intervened in the ongoing Tirupati laddu case, staying an order from the Andhra Pradesh High Court against the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The High Court had previously criticized the CBI Director for allegedly violating the Supreme Court’s directives in appointing an officer outside the designated Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe claims of adulterated ghee used in the prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

Also read:After animal fat, it's now alleged Tirupati laddus contain tobacco

CJI BR Gavai questions High Court’s stance

The Supreme Court’s interim stay followed a Special Leave Petition filed by the CBI Director, challenging the High Court's ruling. A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai questioned the High Court’s stance, stating that there was nothing inappropriate about the SIT appointing an external officer, J Venkat Rao, while maintaining active supervision of the investigation by the CBI Director. CJI Gavai further emphasized that the appointment of a particular officer was well within the SIT's discretion.

During the proceedings, the respondent’s counsel argued that the Supreme Court’s original order explicitly required the SIT to consist only of specified officials from the CBI, state police, and FSSAI, excluding any external officer. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified that the officer in question was merely a “record keeper” and had continued under the CBI Director’s oversight.