Today, On 22nd September, The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the CBI Director challenging remarks made by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in the Tirupati Laddu row. The case relates to the ongoing SIT probe into irregularities in temple offerings.
The Supreme Court decided to hear a plea on Friday from the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) contesting remarks made by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
The High Court had stated that the CBI chief violated previous Supreme Court directives by appointing an officer outside the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of adulterated ghee in the renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) laddu prasadam.
The case was brought before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, requested a postponement for the hearing, noting that the SIT investigation was still ongoing.
The bench agreed and scheduled a detailed hearing for Friday.
The controversy originates from a ruling by Justice Harinath N. of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The Court observed that J. Venkat Rao, an officer involved in the investigation, was not officially designated as a member of the SIT formed under the Supreme Court’s 2024 directives.
Consequently, the High Court concluded that:
- Venkat Rao could not be recognized as a legitimate SIT member.
- He lacked the authority to independently investigate the case or summon witnesses.
The Court pointed out that including an officer not formally part of the SIT constituted a departure from the Supreme Court’s mandate.
This ruling was based on a plea from Kaduru Chinnappanna, who claimed he received summons from Investigating Officer J. Venkat Rao to appear at the SIT office in Tirupati.
The petitioner alleged that:
- He was “compelled, forced and intimidated” into providing false scripted statements before the SIT.
- The proceedings were videotaped, adding to the pressure he faced.
- He was coerced into acting under the “dictates” of Respondent No. 10, i.e., Venkat Rao.
On these grounds, the petitioner sought assurances for a free and fair investigation by the properly constituted SIT.
It’s important to note that in 2024, the Supreme Court established an independent SIT to look into allegations of adulteration in the ghee used for Tirupati laddus, which are considered sacred prasadam at the Tirumala temple.
The apex court specified that the SIT should consist of:
- Two officers from the CBI, nominated by the CBI Director.
- Two officers from the Andhra Pradesh State Police, nominated by the State Government.
- One senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Also Read: What DY Chandrachud Said After CJI Gavai’s Subtle Dig Over Official Residence Row
This structure aimed to ensure impartiality and credibility in investigating this sensitive issue, given the religious and cultural importance of the Tirupati laddu.
Now, the CBI Director has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s observations, which the agency argues undermine the SIT’s operations and the directives of the apex court.
The outcome of Friday’s hearing will be pivotal in assessing whether the inclusion of J. Venkat Rao in the investigation was inappropriate and if the ongoing investigation has been compromised.
Case Title: The Director, Central Bureau of Investigation & Ors. vs. Kaduru Chinnappanna & Ors.
Case Number: SLP (Crl) No. 12653/2025