Supreme Court refuses to transfer Tirupathi ghee adulteration case out of Andhra Pradesh

A view of people standing in queue to get TTD’s laddu prasadam. Image used for representation purpose only.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (November 5, 2026) refused a plea to transfer the trial in the multi-crore Tirupathi laddu ghee adulteration case trial outside the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Machindra Shantaram Lanke, a Maharashtra-based dairy businessman and a prime accused, said the atmosphere inside the State was “politically charged”.

Mr. Dave said even the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were publicly making pointed remarks derogatory to fair trial in the case.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the probe into the case was with a Central agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which was not bothered by any commentary from the corridors of power and political functionaries within the State of Andhra Pradesh.

“We have silenced them all with our order. If something happens, you can come to us,” Chief Justice Kant remarked.

The CBI and Directorate of Enforcement (ED) investigations into the case had revealed a ₹250 crore scam involving the supply of 68 lakh kg of fake and synthetic ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) between 2019 and 2024.

“The trial can be shifted to some other neighbouring State where it is not such an emotive issue,” Mr. Dave persisted.

Taking a firm stand, the Court however dismissed the plea.

Tirupati / court / judiciary (system of justice) / justice and rights / investigation