TTD action against employees for religious code violations

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has launched disciplinary action against 18 employees for allegedly engaging in non-Hindu religious practices while serving in the revered Hindu institution. The action was taken based on information that these staff members, despite having pledged allegiance to Hindu customs, were involved in “practices outside the faith.” Chairman Naidu had earlier stressed that non-Hindu employees should not be part of the institution and hinted at the possibility of transferring them to other government departments or facilitating their voluntary retirement. However, investigations revealed that these 18 employees “violated their oath by continuing non-Hindu religious practices despite multiple warnings.” “Their actions contravened Rule 9 under GO Ms 1060 Revenue, dated October 24, 1989,” the order stated. Such employees found working within temple premises, affiliated religious institutions, or departments handling temple-related activities are to be immediately transferred.