Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – July 9, 2025 – The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended one of its Assistant Executive Officers, A. Rajasekhar Babu, from service for participating in Christian prayers. The action was taken based on TTD’s long-standing service rules, which stipulate that only individuals adhering to the Hindu faith are eligible for employment within the organization.
The suspension came after an investigation revealed that Rajasekhar Babu was regularly attending Christian prayers on Sundays.
Strict Service Rules for TTD Employees
The TTD’s service rules for its employees explicitly state that “only those who follow the Hindu religion are eligible to work in Tirupati Devasthanams.” Furthermore, an amendment added in 2007 clarifies that employees must live according to Hindu Dharma principles and refrain from non-Hindu rituals and lifestyles. The service rules also empower the Devasthanam to take appropriate action if an employee is found to be acting in violation of these stipulations.
Investigation and Violation of Conduct
In a statement, the temple administration announced that investigations confirmed Rajasekhar Babu’s regular participation in Christian prayers every Sunday in his native village of Puttur in the Tirupati district. The TTD noted that Rajasekhar Babu had failed to adhere to the disciplinary guidelines of the trust, which operates under Hindu religious customs, and that despite being made aware of the issue, no corrective action was taken by him.
Videos of Rajasekhar Babu participating in these prayers in his hometown had also circulated on social media. The Devasthanam clarified that the action against Rajasekhar was taken because his conduct was in violation of the regulations of the trust, which functions according to Hindu traditions.
Precedent for Such Actions
This is not the first instance of the Tirupati Devasthanam taking action against employees for participating in other religious prayers. Previously, the TTD had transferred approximately eighteen employees, including teachers, technical staff, and nurses, for similar reasons.
The Tirupati Devasthanams is an autonomous body that operates according to Hindu religious customs. The Devasthanam emphasized that the decision to suspend Rajasekhar Babu was based solely on a vigilance investigation and supporting evidence, underscoring its commitment to upholding its established service rules and the Hindu ethos of the institution.
