SC Backs AP Govt Panel on Tirumala Laddu Ghee Controversy

In a major relief to the Andhra Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition challenging the appointment of a one-man committee to examine administrative lapses in the alleged ghee adulteration issue linked to Tirumala Srivari Laddu Prasadam .

The petition was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy , who argued that the formation of the panel could create confusion, as a CBI-supervised Special Investigation Team (SIT) had already completed its criminal probe and filed a charge sheet. However, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant , along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi , clarified that there was no overlap between the two proceedings.

The Court observed that while the SIT inquiry focused on criminal liability, the State government’s committee is limited to reviewing administrative lapses and suggesting corrective measures. Since the SIT has already submitted its report, the government is within its rights to examine governance failures and initiate disciplinary action, the Bench noted while dismissing the petition.

The one-man panel, headed by retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar, was constituted by the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu . Its mandate includes scrutinising alleged irregularities in ghee procurement tenders , lapses in quality testing , and accountability of officials involved during the previous regime.

Welcoming the verdict, the Telugu Desam Party said the ruling reaffirms the State’s authority to act against erring officials and undertake necessary reforms.

With the legal hurdle cleared, the committee is expected to speed up its inquiry and recommend disciplinary action against those found responsible, including senior officials, if violations are established.