NEW DELHI (February 23, 2026) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to appoint a one-member committee to review administrative lapses in the Tirumala laddu controversy. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi ruled that the state-appointed administrative inquiry does not conflict with the ongoing criminal proceedings, allowing both processes to continue independently and in accordance with the law.
Judicial Observations on “Overlapping” Probes
The petitioner had argued that the appointment of a separate committee, led by retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar, undermined the authority of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) previously constituted by the Supreme Court. However, the bench found these apprehensions to be without “solid foundation.”
CJI Surya Kant stated, “Such an administrative enquiry cannot be called as overlapping with the criminal proceedings which led to the chargesheet and supplementary chargesheet.” The court noted that the scope of the two investigations is well-demarcated: the SIT handles the criminal aspect, whilst the state committee is tasked with fixing responsibility for administrative failures.
Arguments and State Cabinet Decision
The controversy, which first emerged in late 2024, involves allegations of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of ‘prasadam’ laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, submitted that the petition was intended to derail departmental proceedings.
The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, had decided on February 3 to form the committee to identify individuals responsible for the alleged quality lapses. Swamy’s plea had also assailed public statements made by the Chief Minister regarding the row, but the court declined to interfere with the executive’s right to conduct internal reviews.
Background on the Investigation
Recent developments in the broader case include a chargesheet filed by the CBI-led SIT in the Nellore ACB court. According to reports from The Times of India, the forensic analysis indicated that the ghee samples drawn from certain tankers were “synthetic” and blended with vegetable oils, rather than containing animal fats as initially alleged. The court’s decision today ensures that the departmental inquiry into how such supplies were procured can proceed alongside these judicial findings.
Sources
- The New Indian Express: “SC refuses to entertain plea challenging committee’s review of SIT report on Tirumala laddu row” (February 23, 2026)
- Bar and Bench: “Tirupati laddu case: Supreme Court rejects Subramanian Swamy’s plea against State probe panel” (February 23, 2026)
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “SC rejects plea against panel reviewing SIT report on Tirumala laddu row” (February 23, 2026)
- The Times of India: “CBI chargesheet rules out mixing of animal fats in Tirupati laddu ghee” (January 31, 2026)
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