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Key Points

The TTD has suspended four employees for allegedly practicing a non-Hindu faith, violating the institution's code. A vigilance report confirmed their breach, leading to immediate suspension. The move has reignited discussions on religious freedom in temple administration. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar had earlier demanded the removal of non-Hindu employees from TTD.

Key Points: TTD Suspends 4 Non-Hindu Employees Over Religious Code Violation

  • TTD suspends four staff for non-Hindu faith practices
  • Action follows vigilance report confirming breach
  • Debate erupts over religious freedom in temple jobs
  • Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar had earlier demanded removal of non-Hindus
2 min read

TTD suspends four non-Hindu employees for violation of religious code of conduct

TTD suspends four employees for violating Hindu faith code, sparking debate on religious freedom in temple administration.

"The employees acted irresponsibly while performing duties in a Hindu religious organisation. – TTD CPRO"

New Delhi, July 19

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees following allegations that they were practicing a non-Hindu faith, which is reportedly in violation of the institution’s code of conduct.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of TTD, the four individuals — B. Elizer (Deputy Executive Engineer, Quality Control), S. Rosi (Staff Nurse, BIRRD Hospital), M. Premavathi (Grade-I Pharmacist, BIRRD Hospital), and Dr. G. Asunta (SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy) — have been suspended after an internal investigation.

TTD, which administers the world-renowned Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, follows a strict code of conduct for its employees, especially those working in religious or associated institutions. The code mandates that individuals employed within the TTD system must adhere to the tenets of the Hindu faith in both conduct and practice.

The action was taken after a vigilance report highlighted concerns about the religious affiliations of the employees. The internal enquiry reportedly confirmed that the suspended personnel were following the non-Hindu faith, which was considered a breach of institutional guidelines.

“The employees acted irresponsibly while performing duties in a Hindu religious organisation,” the CPRO's statement said.

Following a review of evidence and the vigilance department's report, “departmental action was taken against them as per the rules and the four employees were immediately suspended,” it said.

The suspension has triggered discussions on the boundaries of religious freedom in faith-based institutions that are publicly funded or administered.

While TTD has not commented further, officials have indicated that adherence to the institution's spiritual ethos is non-negotiable for its staff.

The matter may spark wider debate on employment rights versus religious guidelines in India’s temple administration systems.

It is worthy to note here that earlier on July 11, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to remove non-Hindus from employment in Tirumala and claimed that over 1,000 non-Hindus are still working in TTD.

“Why are 1,000+ non-Hindus still working in TTD? Would Hindus ever be hired in mosques or churches? This isn’t about hate - it’s about dharma. TTD cannot become a platform for appeasement politics,” claimed Sanjay Kumar on X, a Lok Sabha member from Karimnagar in Telangana.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the temple's rules, this seems unfair to dedicated employees who were doing their jobs well. Their personal faith shouldn't matter if they're not interfering with temple rituals. India is secular after all!
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Aman W
The real question is - were these employees converting devotees or disrespecting Hindu practices? If not, then what's the issue? Their medical/engineering skills have nothing to do with religion. TTD is overreacting.
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Sarah B
As an expat working in India, this is confusing. In my country, we don't ask about religion when hiring for jobs. But I understand every culture has its own rules. Maybe TTD should make these conditions clearer during hiring?
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Vikram M
The minister is right! Why should Hindus tolerate double standards? Can you imagine a Hindu priest working in Vatican? These rules exist for a reason - to protect our religious sanctity. Jai Shri Venkateswara! 🚩
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Nisha Z
This is pure discrimination. These people were healthcare workers and engineers, not priests! Their religion has zero impact on their ability to maintain hospital equipment or dispense medicines. Shameful decision by TTD.
K
Karthik V
There's a middle path here - maybe TTD can have different rules for different

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