Court orders systemic reforms to prevent theft and mismanagement, suggests technology integration to preserve devotee sentiments.
In a landmark judgment, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (T.T.D) to implement immediate and permanent systemic reforms in the handling of offerings collected from Hundies. The judgment, delivered by Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad, highlighted the necessity for modernization through technology, mechanization, computerization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to prevent theft, pilferage, and mismanagement while safeguarding the religious sentiments of devotees.
The court emphasized the importance of introducing technological advancements to reduce human intervention in the process, ensuring accountability and transparency. It has instructed T.T.D to prepare an immediate reform plan (Plan-A) within two weeks and a permanent reform plan (Plan-B) within eight weeks, involving technical experts and committees to ensure foolproof handling of offerings.
Justice Prasad's judgment comes in the wake of a theft incident at the Parakamani Complex in April 2023, which had sparked concerns about the security and management of offerings, affecting the sentiments of devotees globally. The court's decision underscores the need to update archaic methods and procedures to protect the religious and moral obligations of the Board of Trustees.
Further, the court has directed the Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau (DGP-ACB), to investigate the assets of Sri C.V. Ravi Kumar and his family, suspected of misappropriation, and submit a report within a week. This investigation aims to ascertain if the assets are disproportionate to known sources of income.
The judgment reflects the court's commitment to ensuring the integrity and sanctity of the offerings made to Lord Venkateswara Swamy, recognizing the intangible and immeasurable religious sentiments attached to them. Devotees across the world are expected to welcome this move towards modernization, which promises to preserve their faith and devotion.
The T.T.D's plans are anticipated to include the use of artificial intelligence for segregating offerings, grading currencies, identifying precious items, and handling various other offerings. This reformative approach seeks to in still confidence among devotees regarding the security and management of their offerings.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 26, 2025, to ensure compliance with the court's directives and to discuss additional suggestions for reformations in the Parakamani Complex.
Bottom Line:
Court emphasized the need for systemic reforms in handling the offerings collected from the Hundies in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (T.T.D), suggesting the introduction of technology, computerization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to avoid theft, pilferage, and mismanagement while preserving the religious sentiments of devotees.
Statutory provision(s): The judgment does not cite specific statutory provisions but revolves around the accountability and transparency in the management of religious offerings and the investigation into misappropriation of assets.
M Sreenivasulu v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (Andhra Pradesh) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2825325
