Why Were the Driver and Car Owner in Tirumala Booked?
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Synopsis
Tirumala police have recently taken action against a driver and car owner for displaying a non-Hindu religious symbol on the sacred Tirumala hill. This incident raises questions about adherence to the laws governing religious expression in this revered area. What are the implications of this case for religious freedom and enforcement in Tirumala?
Key Takeaways
- Tirumala police have booked a driver and car owner for a religious symbol violation.
- Legal action was taken under the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institution and Endowment Act.
- Constable V. Vasu Babu was dismissed for failure to perform his duties.
- Strict regulations prohibit non-Hindu religious promotion in the Tirumala area.
- The incident raises questions about religious freedom versus enforcement of local laws.
Tirupati, Nov 20 (NationPress) The police in Tirumala have initiated legal proceedings against both the driver and the owner of a vehicle discovered with a sticker representing a non-Hindu religious symbol on the sacred Tirumala hill, which is home to the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
Following a complaint lodged by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), authorities at Tirumala II Town Police Station filed a case on Thursday against the driver and owner of the vehicle under the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institution and Endowment Act – 1987 (AP CHRIE ACT).
Constable V. Vasu Babu, who failed to notice the religious symbol at the Alipiri check post, has been relieved of his duties.
According to TTD, which oversees the management of this renowned hill shrine, a car from Tamil Nadu was found bearing a religious symbol sticker on the hill.
Despite passing through the 9th lane at the Alipiri check post, constable Vasu Babu was unable to identify the sticker. This vehicle passed the check post at approximately 10:40 a.m. on Thursday.
Upon receiving this information, vigilance personnel quickly located the vehicle in the parking lot near the fire office at Tirumala and promptly removed the sticker, as per TTD.
Consequently, a complaint was lodged at Tirumala II Town Police Station, leading to a case being registered against the vehicle’s driver, Gobi from Karur District (Tamil Nadu), as well as the vehicle's owner.
Vasu Babu has been dismissed from his position at Alipiri with immediate effect for his failure to identify the sticker, despite being given repeated instructions. The department has taken disciplinary action against him for neglecting his duties.
The promotion of non-Hindu beliefs is strictly forbidden on Tirumala hill.
In 2007, the Congress government in the then undivided Andhra Pradesh enacted a regulation stating that the seven hills of Tirumala would remain a sacred space solely for Hindus, thus prohibiting the promotion of other faiths. This regulation also designated the seven hills surrounding the temple as a place of worship, thereby banning all political activities, including local body elections.
The order expressly stated that no other religion shall be promoted within the Tirumala area through spoken or written words, signs, or visible representations, nor through the distribution of any printed materials or religious literature.
Rule 196 of the TTD Act further stipulates that no religious propaganda is permitted within the 10.33 square miles surrounding the Tirumala Shrine. According to Rule 197 of the Act, individuals residing in Tirumala and those employed by TTD must adhere to the Hindu faith.
Point of View
This incident underscores the complexities surrounding religious expression in public spaces, particularly in places of worship. While the enforcement of local laws is crucial, it also raises critical questions about the balance between preserving religious sanctity and respecting individual freedoms. The situation in Tirumala reflects broader societal conversations about faith, identity, and the law.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the case against the car driver and owner?
The case was initiated after a car was discovered with a non-Hindu religious symbol sticker on Tirumala hill, prompting a complaint from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
What laws were cited in this incident?
The case was registered under the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institution and Endowment Act – 1987, which prohibits the promotion of non-Hindu faiths in the Tirumala area.
What actions were taken against the constable?
Constable V. Vasu Babu was removed from duty for failing to identify the religious symbol sticker during the vehicle's passage through the check post.
Are there any regulations regarding religious expressions in Tirumala?
Yes, there are strict regulations that prohibit the propagation of non-Hindu religions within the Tirumala area, as established by a 2007 order from the Andhra Pradesh government.
What are the implications of this case?
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious freedom and local laws in India, particularly in areas deemed sacred.
