Vijayawada: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken disciplinary action against 18 employees for violating its policy requiring staff to adhere to Hindu traditions.
Following directives from TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, orders were issued against employees found engaging in non-Hindu religious activities while also participating in TTD festivals and rituals. The move aligns with TTD’s commitment to preserving the spiritual sanctity of its temples, sources said.
TTD officials stated that employees had sworn an oath under the Endowment Act 1989 to follow Hindu religious practices upon appointment. However, their involvement in non-Hindu rituals has raised concerns over temple sanctity and devotees’ sentiments.
The accused employees were found participating in both Hindu and non-Hindu religious activities, including TTD-organized festivals and processions. In response, TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao issued memos initiating action against them.
Per the TTD Board’s resolution, these employees will be removed from their roles in TTD temples and affiliated departments and barred from participating in Hindu religious duties. The board has recommended their transfer to other government departments or voluntary retirement (VRS) as a resolution. Non-compliance will result in further disciplinary action.
The decision aligns with the 1989 Endowment Act, which mandates that only Hindus can be employed at TTD. The act has been amended three times to reinforce this requirement, backed by Article 16(5) of the Constitution, which allows religious institutions to employ members of their own faith. Additionally, Rule 3 of the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Subordinate Service Rules upholds this mandate.
BJP leader and TTD Board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy supported the move, stating he is prepared to see as many non-Hindu employees exit as necessary to protect the temple’s sanctity. The Andhra Pradesh High Court reinforced this legal stance in November 2023, affirming the authority of temple trusts to enforce such service conditions.
