Supreme Court Dismisses PIL for Separate State of Tirupati

In a significant ruling on November 8, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Christian evangelist Dr. KA Paul, which sought to declare Tirupati as a separate state or Union Territory. The petition also called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the ongoing Tirupati Laddu controversy and requested a time limit for the investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Dr. Paul argued that Tirupati, with its population of approximately 30 lakh, should be granted the same status as small nations like Vatican City, citing the creation of separate states for religious reasons. However, the Supreme Court rejected his plea, stating that it would not be feasible to create separate states for religious sites such as Tirupati, Puri, and Amritsar.
The court also declined to impose a time limit on the SIT investigation into the allegations concerning the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of Tirupati's famous prasadam. This decision leaves the ongoing investigation to proceed without external pressure.
The bench, led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, emphasized that if they were to grant this request, it would set a precedent for creating separate states for numerous other religious sites across India, which is impractical.
Dr. Paul had previously highlighted concerns regarding potential violations of constitutional rights related to religious practices and food safety at one of India's most significant pilgrimage sites. The court's dismissal reflects its stance on maintaining national integrity over fragmented demands based on religious affiliations.
As this story develops, it raises important questions about governance, religious rights, and the future of India's diverse cultural landscape.

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