The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities to consider and decide a representation seeking inclusion of patients suffering from rare diseases, autoimmune disorders and severe haematological conditions under the Special Darshan medical quota at Tirumala. Justice Ninala Jayasurya disposed of the writ petition after recording the submission of TTD that the representation dated December 3, 2025, would be examined by the competent authority.

The petition sought directions to the State government, TTD and health authorities to expand the existing Special Darshan medical categories beyond presently recognised conditions such as cancer, dialysis, organ transplantation and major surgeries. The petitioner argued that devotees suffering from serious autoimmune disorders, rare diseases and chronic haematological conditions also face severe mobility restrictions and medical vulnerabilities but remain excluded from the current framework.

In the representation annexed to the petition, the petitioner specifically sought inclusion of conditions such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Multiple Sclerosis, Scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, severe anaemia, sickle cell disease and thalassemia under the medical darshan quota. The plea also requested permission for one attendant to accompany such patients and enhancement of the medical darshan quota to ensure access for deserving devotees.

The petition highlighted that patients suffering from rare and chronic illnesses often face “genuine functional incapacity, chronic fatigue, reduced stamina, and medical vulnerability” despite their conditions not being expressly recognised under the existing policy. It was further contended that specialist medical certification for such illnesses remains difficult because experts dealing with autoimmune and rare diseases are generally available only at tertiary or metropolitan centres.

Recording the submission made on behalf of TTD that the representation would be examined, the High Court directed the competent authority to take appropriate action within four months and communicate the decision to the petitioner. The Court observed that since the representation had already been pending since December 2025, the six months’ time sought by TTD was excessive.

Appearances

Counsel for the Petitioner: Adv Kota Krishna Deepthi

Counsel for the Respondent- Jupudi V.K. Yagnadutt (Central Government Counsel), GP for Endowments and C. Srinivasa Baba