‘No more reels’; TN Govt bans mobile phones inside temples

CHENNAI: The government banned mobile phones in all major temples in Tamil Nadu. The new decision is aimed at controlling filming of reels. The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Institutions Department has also ordered strict restrictions on VIP visitors. This will be implemented from September 1.

No one will be allowed to take photos inside the temple, shoot videos of the idols, or shoot reels in the temple premises. The order also states that no one, including VIPs or film stars, will be allowed to take photos or videos.

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has informed that a cloak room facility will be set up at the temple entrance for devotees visiting the temples to keep their mobile phones. A decision has been taken to charge Rs 5 per phone. A receipt for this must be given through the integrated temple management system.

The circular also directed that CCTV cameras be installed in the places where phones are kept. The circular also directs that the temple trust should install boards stating that the use of mobile phones is prohibited in the temple premises and entrances and that this should be informed through a microphone. The department's circular is based on an order issued by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on December 2, 2022.