Subramanian Swamy Vs State of Andhra Pradesh (Supreme Court of India)
In Subramanian Swamy v. State of Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court considered a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking to restrain the State of Andhra Pradesh from interfering with an investigation earlier directed by the Court in relation to alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala Prasadam Laddus. The controversy arose following statements claiming that the sanctity of the Prasadam had been compromised due to adulterated ghee, leading to registration of FIR No. 470/2024 dated 25.09.2024. The investigation was entrusted to a Special Investigation Team as per the Court’s earlier order dated 04.10.2024. The investigation has since been completed and a chargesheet and supplementary chargesheet have been filed, though the matter remains sub judice. Meanwhile, the State Government initiated an administrative inquiry to identify lapses, their nature, responsible persons, and consequences. The Court held that the administrative inquiry does not overlap with the criminal proceedings, as both processes are well demarcated and involve no conflict of interest. Finding no sufficient basis for the petitioner’s apprehension, the writ petition was disposed of, permitting both processes to continue in accordance with law.
FULL TEXT OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT/ORDER
