[GHHF] Request Collector to Deny Permission to Tablighi Ijtema with 7000 Muslims to prevent inflammatory speeches and hurt community sentiments near the Tirumala Temple region.
Date: September 3, 2025
To
The Collector
Tirupati District
Andhra Pradesh
Subject: Representation regarding proposed Tablighi Ijtema near Tirumala Temple region — Request to safeguard public order and religious harmony
Respected Sir/Madam,
On behalf of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, I respectfully submit this representation concerning the proposed Tablighi Ijtema in Agalarala Village, Chandra Mandal, located in close proximity to the Tirumala Temple region — a site revered by Hindus for centuries as one of the holiest places of worship.
We wish to express our concern not against any religious community as a whole, but specifically regarding certain interpretations of religious texts that may be promoted by a subset of individuals within the organizing group. These interpretations, if propagated in a sensitive and sacred region, could potentially disrupt public order and infringe upon the constitutional morality enshrined under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.
Constitutional Context
Article 25 guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. The non-obstante clause within this Article empowers the State to impose reasonable restrictions when religious practices threaten communal harmony or violate the dignity of other faiths.
Concerns Regarding Public Order
The proposed gathering raises the following concerns:
* Location Sensitivity: Tirumala Temple is a centuries-old sacred site for Hindus. Hosting a large religious congregation from another faith tradition in its vicinity may be perceived as intrusive and disrespectful by local devotees.
* Doctrinal Messaging: If the event includes preaching that labels non-believers or idol worshippers in derogatory terms — as found in certain literal interpretations of religious texts — it could inflame tensions and disturb peace.
* Demographic Pressure: A large influx of attendees from outside the region may strain local resources and heighten anxieties among residents, especially if the event is not transparently coordinated with civic authorities.
Constitutional Morality and Social Harmony
India’s constitutional morality emphasizes mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Any religious event that undermines these principles — whether through exclusionary rhetoric or symbolic encroachment — risks violating the spirit of our secular democracy.
We do not oppose the right of any group to practice its faith. However, we urge that such practices be conducted in a manner that respects the sanctity of other religious traditions and avoids locations that are deeply symbolic to another community.
Our Requests:
In light of the above, we humbly request that your office:
1. Deny permission for the proposed Tablighi Ijtema in the vicinity of Tirumala Temple, considering its potential to disturb public order and religious sentiments.
2. Engage with organizers to explore alternative venues that are neutral and less likely to provoke communal sensitivity.
3. Ensure transparency in the nature and content of the event, with clear guidelines to prevent inflammatory preaching or proselytization targeting other faiths.
4. Monitor the situation closely, including the influx of attendees and any activities that may affect the sanctity of the Tirumala region
We trust your office will act with prudence and uphold the constitutional values that protect both religious freedom and communal harmony.
Sincerely,
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation
CC:
Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Tirupati
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tirupati
Inspector of Police, Chandragiri, Tirupati District