The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting a Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) into the Tirupati Laddu controversy and advocating for the declaration of Tirupati as a separate State/Union Territory.

The bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan, heard the matter filed by Christian Preacher Dr. KA Paul, who appeared and argued in person.

The origin of this ladoo controversy was a statement by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that substandard ingredients were found in the laddus served to devotees during the term of former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Jagan Mohan Reddy, post which multiple PILs were filed seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and court monitored probe into the allegations.

On October 4, the Supreme Court formed an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine allegations regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus offered as prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

Dr. Paul submitted that the incident is in violation of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, and as a result, Articles 14 and 21 further, defending his petition, contended that if a country can be established for a small population, like the 764 Roman Catholic residents of Vatican City—then a state certainly can be created for the vast population of Tirupati. He said that he filed the petition to protect the reputation of Andhra Pradesh, his home state, and to uphold fundamental human rights.

Thus, when the bench was inclined to not entertain the petition, Dr. Paul requested that, since an order to form an SIT to investigate the Tirupati Laddu controversy was issued a month ago without a set timeframe, the Court at least establish a deadline of 90 days or six months, as the investigation has yet to commence.

The bench, however, abstained from issuing any directives.

Case Title: Dr. K.A. Paul v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 657/2024 [Tap here for the Judgement]