'Devotees' Offerings Carry Religious Sentiments': AP High Court Suggests Reforms In Tirumala Hundi Process To Prevent Theft, Urges Use Of AI

The Andhra Pradesh High Court given a slew of suggestions to reform archaic methods and outdated procedures in the Hundi processing system at Tirumala Tirupati, through use of technology, digitisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a view to prevent recurring instances of theft, pilferage and misappropriation of Hundies (offerings).While dealing with the issue of alleged theft in the Parakamani process, Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad observed that the same has affected the sentiments of devotees across the world and that archaic methods and procedures are required to be done away with in order to prevent any further instances of theft, pilferage, etc. The court said:“Devotees make offerings to the Deity in myriad forms and the monetary value of such offering is only secondary, while the sense of devotion with which offerings are made forms the primary aspect. Therefore, the value to the offering carries with it not just the monetary value but it carries with it the invisible, intangible and immeasurable religious sentiments. For this reason, securing the offerings made to the Deity with absolute care and devotion would be most essential and primordial duty of the Board of Trustees to safeguard and preserve the religious sentiments and faith that is attached to the offerings.”The DGP-CID had placed on record the entire process of securing Hundies— which involved sealing in the main temple complex, loading the same in a truck at Golla Mandapam, transporting to the 'Parakamani Complex', and the subsequent process of counting and accounting. In order to avoid pilferage and fraud, to bring perfection in a fool-proof manner and to avoid humiliation of volunteering devotees in the process of frisking, the Court directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to formulate two plans— Plan A, for immediate reforms, and Plan B, for permanent reforms by introduction of technology, computerisation, digitalisation of records and AI in surveillance and vigil. These plans were suggested to be made for immediate and permanent reformation in the Parakamani Complex, commencing from Hundies from Golla Mandapam till the last stage wherein the offerings are accounted for.The Court suggested that AI can be introduced for— (i) segregation of contents of Hundi and separation and grading of currencies from different countries and denominations, (ii) identification and segregation of other precious items such as coins, precious metals, precious stones, and (iii) handling of Mudupoos and several other offerings. The Court however clarified that these measures suggesting inculcation of modernisation and technology are only suggestive but not exhaustive, and that the TTD is required to make constant efforts to usher-in more reforms from time to time.Plan A was directed to be submitted within two-weeks. Regarding Plan B, the Court held,“Insofar as Plan-B is concerned, needless to state that the T.T.D would be required to engage the Technical Experts for the purpose of modernization by introducing Technology, Mechanisation, Computerization, Digitalization of Records and use of Artificial Intelligence by forming various Committees. There is no doubt that a large number of devotees who are spread across the World, who are technically qualified and having vast experience in the fields above mentioned, would be more than willing to assist, aid and advice the T.T.D for achieving this purpose.”The Court granted eight weeks for submission of a rough draft of Plan-B.The Court further directed the DGP-ACB to submit a sealed cover Report containing information and particulars as regards the alienations of movable and immovable properties done by Sri C.V. Ravi Kumar (accused under Sections 379 and 381) and his family members by way of registrations or otherwise within one week.BackgroundThe Court enlisted the important activities which devotees indulge into such as— darshan, offerings (material and Sevas), and receiving Prasadam— which are supervised by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (T.T.D) and are managed by the Board of Trustees.“Any deviations or dilutions in the performance of Poojas, Sevas, Offerings and Prasadam would affect the religious sentiments of the Devotees across borders. The Board of Trustees that acts for the Deity is solely burdened with the indispensable moral and religious obligation to protect and preserve the religious sentiments of its devotees at all times. The Board of Trustees would be failing in its duty if it is found wanting in any of these aspects” the Court stated.On 27.10.2025, the Court directed probes by the CID and the Anti-Corruption Bureau into the alleged theft of offerings made to the Tirumala Temple, after noting that there were serious lapses in the investigation. The reports thus submitted indicated that further investigation was in progress.The matter is now listed on 26.12.2025 for further hearing.Case Details:Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 1294/2025Case Title: M SREENIVASULU v. THE...

'Devotees' Offerings Carry Religious Sentiments': AP High Court Suggests Reforms In Tirumala Hundi Process To Prevent Theft, Urges Use Of AI

Saahas Arora

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