TTD Suspends Four Employees Over Religious Allegiance Violations

In a significant administrative move, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board has suspended four non-religious employees after confirming allegations that they were not adhering to TTD’s guidelines concerning the faith of its staff. The suspensions, which were made public through an official statement, are a reflection of the temple administration’s strict policy to ensure that all employees involved in the sacred temple ecosystem follow the principles of Hinduism, particularly at the Tirumala shrine one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites.

The suspended individuals include B. Elizar, a deputy engineer in the Quality Control Department; S. Rosy, a staff nurse at Bird Hospital; M. Premavati, a Grade-1 pharmacist; and G. Asuntha, an employee of the SV Ayurveda Pharmacy. According to the TTD, the decision came after internal investigations substantiated claims that these employees were practicing Christianity, which violates the institutional norms of the temple board that require all employees, especially those working within the Tirumala premises, to strictly follow the Hindu faith.

The TTD has long upheld the sanctity of the Tirumala shrine by enforcing a set of religious and ethical codes among its staff. These guidelines were instituted to preserve the spiritual and cultural integrity of the holy temple, which draws millions of Hindu devotees from across the globe. The board has reiterated that any deviation from these standards including religious practices that contradict the temple’s foundational values will not be tolerated.

Sources indicate that the suspended employees were under scrutiny for some time, following complaints and surveillance-based evidence pointing to their participation in Christian religious activities. This raised concerns not just about policy violations but also about the perceived desecration of the temple’s religious environment. After verifying the claims and conducting disciplinary inquiries, the TTD acted decisively by issuing suspension orders.

This incident has reignited public debate around the employment policies of religious institutions in India. While some view the suspension as a necessary step to protect the sanctity of the temple, others are raising questions about religious freedom and employee rights. However, the TTD has defended its position, stating that individuals who choose to work within such sacred premises must comply fully with its religious code of conduct.

Going forward, the TTD is expected to review and possibly tighten its internal screening and monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar violations in the future. The board emphasized that its commitment to maintaining the spiritual purity of the Tirumala temple remains unwavering and that all employees must honor the religious traditions of the institution they serve.