The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four employees due to allegations of their involvement in a non-Hindu faith, which allegedly breaches the institution’s code of conduct.

As stated by the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of TTD, the four individuals were suspended following an internal investigation.

• B. Elizer (Deputy Executive Engineer, Quality Control),
• S. Rosi (Staff Nurse, BIRRD Hospital),
• M. Premavathi (Grade-I Pharmacist, BIRRD Hospital),
• Dr. G. Asunta (SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy) 

TTD, which oversees the globally recognized Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, enforces a stringent code of conduct for its employees, particularly those in religious or related roles. This code requires that all personnel within the TTD framework adhere to the principles of the Hindu faith in both behavior and practice.

The decision to suspend these employees was prompted by a vigilance report that raised issues regarding their religious affiliations. An internal inquiry reportedly validated that the suspended individuals were practicing a non-Hindu faith, which constituted a violation of the institution’s guidelines.

“The employees acted irresponsibly while fulfilling their roles in a Hindu religious organization,” the CPRO’s statement noted.

After reviewing the evidence and the vigilance department’s findings, it was stated that “departmental action was taken against them in accordance with the rules, leading to the immediate suspension of the four employees.”

This suspension has ignited discussions regarding the limits of religious freedom within publicly funded or managed faith-based institutions.

While TTD has refrained from further comments, officials have suggested that compliance with the institution’s spiritual principles is essential for its staff.

This situation may lead to a broader discussion on the balance between employment rights and religious regulations within India’s temple administration systems.

It is important to highlight that on July 11, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar called on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to dismiss non-Hindus from their positions in Tirumala, asserting that more than 1,000 non-Hindus are currently employed at TTD.