New Delhi, Nov. 5: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea seeking to transfer the alleged Tirupati laddu adulteration case outside Andhra Pradesh.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said there were no grounds to shift the trial to another state at this stage.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Machindra Shantaram Lanke and M/s Malganga Milk and Agro Products. They sought to move the trial outside Andhra Pradesh, citing concerns over its fairness.
ALSO READ: Amul Hikes Ghee And Butter Prices In India
Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the petitioners, referred to public statements by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
He argued that the prosecution must remain fair and requested the court to shift the trial to a neighbouring state.
However, the Bench said its earlier order had addressed the concerns raised. It added that the petitioners could approach the Supreme Court again if similar issues arose.
Supreme Court Had Ordered Independent Investigation
The controversy began in September 2024 when Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in ghee supplied for Tirupati temple laddus during the previous YSRCP government.
ALSO READ: Ladakh Road Accident: Two Army Soldiers Killed
The Supreme Court had earlier criticised public statements about the allegations while the investigation was underway. It subsequently ordered an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe under the supervision of the CBI Director.
The CBI led SIT filed its final charge sheet before an Anti Corruption Bureau court in Nellore on January 23, 2026.
According to the report, laboratory analysis found no lard or animal fat in four sealed ghee samples. However, investigators alleged that the ghee contained vegetable oils and laboratory esters used to mimic dairy products.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to investigate alleged financial irregularities linked to the case.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews and Follow Our Youtube Channel on Google
