The Tamil Nadu government has begun enforcing a ban on camera-enabled smartphones inside 52 major temples from September 1, following directions issued by the Madras High Court and implemented by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. Devotees carrying smartphones must deposit them at designated counters for ₹5 per device, while basic phones without cameras are permitted.
The government says the move is intended to preserve the sanctity and peaceful atmosphere of temples and prevent unauthorised photography, videography, selfies and social-media reels involving deities and rituals. While several devotees have welcomed the quieter environment, others have raised concerns about the security of deposited phones, queues and the inconvenience of paying the charge during repeated visits.
HR&CE Minister S Ramesh clarified that the restriction applies only to camera-enabled phones and said the ₹5 fee is meant to cover the costs of lockers, staff and related facilities, rather than generate temple revenue.
Phones Deposited
Under the new system, devotees arriving with smartphones are required to hand them over at secure counters or lockers before entering the temple premises. They receive a token or receipt and pay ₹5 for the service before collecting their devices after darshan. The HR&CE Department has instructed temple administrations to display clear notices about the restriction and ensure adequate arrangements for storing and returning phones safely. Authorities have also been asked to increase the number of counters wherever necessary to prevent long queues and congestion.
The response from devotees has been mixed. Many have appreciated the attempt to restore a more peaceful atmosphere, particularly by limiting the constant taking of photographs, selfies and videos during worship. Others, however, have questioned whether their expensive smartphones will be adequately protected while deposited and whether the additional process could slow down temple entry.
Some devotees have also suggested increasing the number of counters and introducing convenient payment options to reduce waiting times. The government has advised visitors to leave their smartphones at home, in their accommodation or in their vehicles wherever possible.
Court-Backed Move
The latest enforcement is rooted in a December 2, 2022 Madras High Court order concerning the use of mobile phones at the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. The case followed a petition highlighting concerns over devotees taking photographs and videos inside the temple. The court observed that mobile phones and cameras could divert devotees’ attention from worship and directed authorities to take steps to prohibit their use inside temple premises while maintaining sanctity, security and the safety of devotees. It also noted that temple authorities have the power to regulate conduct within their premises.
The HR&CE Department has now extended the practical enforcement of these restrictions to 52 major temples. Officials said repeated instances of people recording deities, rituals, selfies and reels despite existing guidelines had made stronger enforcement necessary.
The policy also prohibits unauthorised photography and videography, with signage and staff supervision intended to ensure compliance. Minister Ramesh said the objective is not to prevent devotees from carrying phones altogether, but specifically to keep camera-enabled devices out of temple premises so that worship remains undisturbed. Similar restrictions already exist at several prominent temples, including those in Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai and Rameswaram.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Temples are spaces where millions of people seek reflection, prayer and a sense of community, and protecting that atmosphere is a legitimate objective. At the same time, any restriction affecting everyday life works best when it is implemented with empathy and practical safeguards.
If devotees are expected to surrender expensive personal devices, temple authorities must ensure transparent systems, secure storage, adequate counters and quick retrieval so that the policy does not become an unnecessary source of anxiety or inconvenience.
Equally, visitors have a responsibility to respect the rules of places of worship and understand that not every sacred moment needs to become a photograph, video or social-media post. A balance between religious sanctity, personal convenience and respectful conduct can help make the initiative more meaningful. What do you think—can a phone-free temple experience encourage greater mindfulness while still protecting devotees’ practical concerns?
Also Read: 7-Year-Old Girl Dies After Chloroquine Dose in Andhra Village, 50+ Fall Ill; CM Orders Probe
Tamil Nadu’s HR&CE Department has directed major temples to prevent devotees from carrying mobile phones inside from September 1, following instructions from Minister S Ramesh. Phones will be deposited outside or near footwear counters for ₹5, with receipts issued through ITMS,… pic.twitter.com/Ki0xlDjppO
— The Logical Indian (@LogicalIndians) August 11, 2026
