Supreme Court Denies Transfer of Tirupathi Ghee Case on Nov 5, 2026
The Supreme Court has rejected a request to move the high-profile Tirupathi ghee adulteration trial out of Andhra Pradesh.
Supreme Court upheld the trial's location in Andhra Pradesh.
The case involves a ₹250 crore ghee adulteration scam.
Political remarks from state officials were cited as concerns for fair trial.
On November 5, 2026, the Supreme Court of India declined a petition to transfer the trial of the significant Tirupathi ghee adulteration case outside Andhra Pradesh. This decision came during a hearing led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, where senior advocate Siddharth Dave represented Machindra Shantaram Lanke, a key accused in the case and a dairy businessman from Maharashtra. Dave argued that the political climate in Andhra Pradesh was overly charged, potentially compromising the fairness of the trial.
The Tirupathi ghee adulteration case has garnered significant attention due to allegations of a massive scam involving the supply of fake and synthetic ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) uncovered a ₹250 crore fraud, revealing that approximately 68 lakh kg of adulterated ghee was supplied between 2019 and 2024. The seriousness of these allegations has raised concerns about the integrity of the trial process.
During the proceedings, Dave highlighted that remarks from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh could undermine the impartiality of the judicial process. However, Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that the CBI, which is handling the investigation, operates independently of any political influence. Chief Justice Kant reassured the parties involved that the court had taken measures to ensure a fair trial, stating, "We have silenced them all with our order. If something happens, you can come to us."
The court's firm stance against transferring the trial reflects its commitment to maintaining judicial integrity despite external pressures. The plea for relocation was dismissed, reinforcing the court's belief in the CBI's capability to conduct a thorough investigation without bias from local political dynamics.
Looking ahead, the trial is set to proceed in Andhra Pradesh, with the CBI continuing its investigation into the extensive fraud. The case's developments will be closely monitored, as it holds significant implications for the dairy industry and public trust in regulatory bodies overseeing food safety and quality in India.
