Tirupati- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has taken disciplinary action against 18 employees, including professors, lecturers, and technical staff, for practicing non-Hindu religious customs. The February 1, 2025 order bars these employees from working in Tirumala, any TTD temples, or religious program-related work.

The action follows TTD Board Chairman B.R. Naidu's recent announcement restricting TTD employment to Hindus only. The affected employees allegedly violated their oath taken before Lord Venkateswara to follow Hindu dharma and traditions, as required by a 1989 Revenue Department order.

The disciplined staff includes six teachers from various TTD educational institutions, along with administrative and technical personnel. Executive Officer J Syamala Rao's order emphasizes that TTD employees must maintain temple sanctity and uphold traditions that align with devotee sentiments, based on a board resolution from November 2024.