The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking transfer of the Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration trial to a neighbouring State, holding that no sufficient grounds had been made out for shifting the proceedings.
The petition was filed by Machindra Shantaram Lanke, a Maharashtra-based dairy businessman and Managing Director of Malganga Milk and Agro Products Pvt. Ltd. Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, appearing for him, argued that repeated political statements by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister had created concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.
Dave submitted that the trial should be shifted to a neighbouring State where the case would not carry the same political and emotional significance. He also referred to the difficulties arising from the accused persons being from different parts of the country.
The Bench referred to its earlier orders concerning the matter and indicated that it had already addressed the issue of public statements.
CJI Surya Kant remarked:
"We have silenced them all with our order. If something happens, you can come to us."
The petitioner’s counsel nevertheless requested the Court to consider shifting the proceedings outside Andhra Pradesh.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined the request, finding no sufficient ground to transfer the trial to another State. It consequently dismissed the petition.
The Court ordered:
"No case made out to transfer trial. Dismissed."
