Non-Hindu Employees Asked to Exit or Relocate by Tirumala Temple Trust

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, has decided that non-Hindu employees must either take voluntary retirement or transfer to other government departments in Andhra Pradesh. TTD is a government trust that oversees the world’s richest Hindu temple. TTD Chairman BR Naidu confirmed the decision but did not disclose how many non-Hindu employees would be affected. However, sources say this decision will impact around 300 of the 7,000 permanent employees. TTD also employs about 14,000 contract workers.

Employee unions have supported the decision, saying it complies with the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Act and the TTD Act. Naidu, who became TTD chairman on October 31, has been clear that only Hindus should manage the temple. Over the years, amendments to the TTD Act and a 1989 government order have required that only Hindus be appointed to TTD-related posts. Despite this, some non-Hindus have reportedly continued to work there. Recently, Hindu employees lodged complaints about non-Hindu colleagues after the Chandrababu Naidu government came to power in June.

This decision also follows a controversy where the government accused the previous YSRCP administration of allowing the use of ghee with animal fat in preparing the temple’s famous Tirupati laddu.

The decision has legal backing under Article 16(5) of the Constitution, which allows religious institutions to employ only members of their own faith. Rule 3 of the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Subordinate Service Rules also requires employees of religious institutions to follow the Hindu religion. In November 2023, the Andhra Pradesh High Court upheld this rule, confirming that temple boards can set service conditions, including requiring employees to be Hindus.