Tirupati Temple Board Suspends Staff For Practising Christianity, Citing Code Violation

TTD, which manages the affairs of the Tirumala temple, requires its employees to adhere to the religious ethos of the institution, especially those posted in temple-linked departments.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended four of its employees following an internal investigation that found them in violation of the institution’s code of conduct.

The suspended personnel are: B Elizer – Deputy Executive Engineer (Quality Control), S Rosi – Staff Nurse, BIRD Hospital, M Premavathi – Grade 1 Pharmacist, BIRD Hospital and Dr G Asunta – SV Ayurvedic Pharmacy.

Employees Acted Irresponsibly

According to reports, the individuals were reportedly practising the Christian faith, which contravenes the rules governing employment in the Hindu religious institution. The disciplinary action follows a vigilance report and review of evidence, leading to their immediate suspension in accordance with service regulations.

“The employees acted irresponsibly while performing duties in a Hindu religious organisation,” TTD Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) statement said, as per a report on PTI.

TTD, which manages the affairs of the Tirumala temple, requires its employees to adhere to the religious ethos of the institution, especially those posted in temple-linked departments.

Further proceedings regarding their employment status are expected pending departmental inquiry.

1,000 Non-Hindus Still Work Within TTD: Union MoS

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has urged TTD to remove non-Hindus from employment at Tirumala, alleging that over 1,000 non-Hindus are still working within the temple administration.

“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.