The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the administrative body that oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, has suspended Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) A. Rajasekhar Babu with immediate effect. The suspension follows allegations that he violated the organization's code of conduct by attending church prayers in his hometown of Puttur, in the Tirupati district.

TTD officials stated that Rajasekhar Babu was attending local church prayers every Sunday. The TTD views this as a violation of its norms, as employees are expected to uphold the values of the Hindu religious institution they represent. The TTD argues that Rajasekhar Babu acted irresponsibly and failed to adhere to the expected code of conduct.

The decision to suspend Rajasekhar Babu was made after the TTD Vigilance Department submitted a report with evidence supporting the allegations. Following a review of the report and other evidence, TTD initiated departmental action against him in accordance with established rules.

This suspension is part of a broader effort by the TTD to ensure that its employees adhere to Hindu religious customs and traditions. In February, the TTD initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for practicing non-Hindu religious customs. These employees held various positions, including teachers, technical officers, nurses, and other officers. The TTD also ordered that these employees should not be posted in Tirumala or any temple under its management, or in roles linked to religious programmes.

Rule 9(vi) of the TTD Employees Service Rules, established in 1989, specifies that only individuals professing the Hindu religion are eligible for recruitment into TTD service. This rule, reinforced in 2007, mandates that employees adhere to Hindu dharma and traditions and refrain from non-Hindu religious activities.

In May, the TTD board decided to transfer non-Hindu employees working at various board-run institutions to other Andhra Pradesh government departments or offer them voluntary retirement schemes. According to 2021 TTD records, the board employed approximately 40 non-Hindu staff members across its institutions.

The TTD's actions have sparked debate and raised questions about religious freedom and the rights of employees in religious organizations. Some argue that the TTD is justified in enforcing its code of conduct to protect the integrity of the Hindu institution it represents. Others contend that employees should have the right to practice their own religion without fear of discrimination or punishment.