The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, has suspended four employees for allegedly violating the institution's code of conduct by practicing non-Hindu faiths. The suspensions, announced on Saturday, July 19, 2025, have ignited discussions regarding religious freedom and the guidelines governing faith-based organizations.

The suspended employees are B. Elizer, Deputy Executive Engineer (Quality Control); S. Rosi, Staff Nurse at BIRRD Hospital; M. Premavathi, Grade-I Pharmacist at BIRRD Hospital; and G. Asuntha, from SV Ayurveda Pharmacy. According to a statement released by the TTD's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), the action was taken following an internal investigation that confirmed the employees were practicing faiths other than Hinduism.

TTD has a strict code of conduct, particularly for those working in religious or associated institutions, mandating adherence to Hindu tenets in both conduct and practice. Concerns about the religious affiliations of the employees arose from a vigilance report, which triggered the internal inquiry. The TTD management stated that the employees acted irresponsibly while performing their duties in a Hindu religious organization.

Following a review of the evidence and the vigilance department's report, the TTD initiated departmental action against the employees, leading to their immediate suspension in accordance with the rules. During the suspension, the employees will receive 50% of their salary.

In May 2025, the TTD had announced that non-Hindu employees in various departments would be transferred to other Andhra Pradesh government departments or could opt for voluntary retirement. Prior to these suspensions, in February 2025, TTD initiated disciplinary action against 18 employees for practicing non-Hindu religious customs. Furthermore, in July 2025, an Assistant Executive Officer was suspended for attending church prayers regularly.

These suspensions have sparked a wider debate on employment rights versus religious guidelines within India's temple administration systems. While the TTD has not issued further comments, officials have indicated that adherence to the institution's spiritual ethos is non-negotiable for its staff.