KKN Gurugram Desk | The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, has dismissed 18 employees for violating its policy that mandates adherence to Hindu religious practices. The action was taken after the employees were found engaging in non-Hindu traditions, which is against TTD’s regulations.
As a result, these employees have been removed from their current roles and are banned from participating in any Hindu religious activities or duties within TTD-operated temples and departments.
Why Were the Employees Dismissed?
TTD has a long-standing rule that only Hindu employees can work at TTD temples and its affiliated institutions. This rule is based on the 1989 Endowment Act, which requires all employees to follow Hindu customs and traditions.
A recent internal investigation found that 18 employees were not adhering to these guidelines. As a result, the TTD board took disciplinary action, leading to their dismissal.
To address the situation fairly, the board has offered these employees two options:
- Transfer to other government departments
- Apply for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)
If they fail to comply, further action will be taken against them.
TTD’s Stance on Maintaining Hindu Religious Sanctity
TTD Chairman BR Naidu has repeatedly stated that Tirumala must remain a stronghold of Hindu faith. According to him, ensuring that only Hindus serve in TTD-run temples is essential to preserve the spiritual and religious significance of the temple complex.
Referring to the TTD Act, which has been amended three times, Naidu emphasized that the rule clearly states that non-Hindus cannot be employed by the temple board. He also cited Rule 3 of the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Subordinate Service Rules, which requires employees of Hindu religious institutions to profess the Hindu faith.
Naidu added that any deviation from these rules could affect the sanctity of the temple and hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.
Legal Justification: Constitutional and Legislative Support for TTD’s Decision
TTD’s decision to dismiss non-Hindu employees is backed by Article 16(5) of the Indian Constitution. This article permits religious institutions to employ only members of their own faith, thereby supporting TTD’s policy.
Additionally, the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Subordinate Service Rules further reinforce this principle, making it mandatory for employees of Hindu religious institutions to follow the Hindu religion.
Given these legal provisions, TTD’s decision has a strong constitutional and legislative basis.
Political and Religious Reactions
Support from BJP and Other Hindu Organizations
BJP leader and TTD Board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy fully supported the decision, stating that TTD should continue removing all non-Hindu employees who violate its policies.
He emphasized that TTD’s rules must be strictly enforced, and any deviations from Hindu customs in temple operations should not be allowed.
Many Hindu religious organizations have also welcomed the move, arguing that TTD must remain exclusive to Hindus to preserve its sacred traditions.
Opposition and Controversy
While many have supported the decision, some human rights groups and secular activists have criticized the move, arguing that it discriminates against non-Hindus based on religion.
However, TTD officials maintain that since the temple is exclusively dedicated to Hindu worship, its employees must follow Hindu customs to ensure that rituals and traditions are preserved without interference.
The Importance of Tirumala Temple in Hinduism
The Tirumala Tirupati temple is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Managed by TTD, it attracts millions of devotees each year.
TTD has been entrusted with the preservation of its religious sanctity, making strict compliance with Hindu traditions a fundamental requirement for temple employees.
By enforcing its rules, TTD aims to maintain the spiritual purity of the temple and ensure that devotees continue to have an authentic Hindu religious experience at Tirumala.
Historical Context: TTD’s Commitment to Hindu Traditions
- In 2016, TTD reaffirmed its policy that only Hindus could be employed in its temples.
- In 2018, a similar controversy arose when non-Hindu employees were found violating temple traditions, prompting strict guidelines.
- Over the years, multiple amendments have been made to the TTD Act to ensure adherence to Hindu customs.
TTD’s consistent stand on this issue reflects its commitment to safeguarding the temple’s religious heritage.
Implications of the Decision on TTD’s Future Policies
Following this incident, TTD is expected to implement stricter employee background checks to prevent future violations of its religious policies.
Future recruits will likely undergo screening procedures to confirm their adherence to Hindu traditions before being hired.
TTD may also introduce mandatory religious training sessions for employees to ensure they fully understand the temple’s traditions and rituals.
The dismissal of 18 employees by TTD underscores its dedication to maintaining the Hindu faith at Tirumala temple. With legal backing from the Constitution, TTD has taken a firm stance to uphold religious discipline within its administration.
Key Takeaways from This Development
✅ TTD enforces strict religious compliance, ensuring only Hindu employees work in temple operations
✅ Dismissed employees given options for transfer or voluntary retirement
✅ Legal provisions under the Constitution and Andhra Pradesh religious laws support TTD’s decision
✅ BJP and Hindu organizations back the move, while secular groups raise concerns
✅ Future policies may include stricter hiring practices and religious training for employees
As TTD continues to safeguard Tirumala’s spiritual heritage, it remains committed to ensuring that Hindu traditions remain at the core of its administration.
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