Tamil Nadu temples enforce mobile phone ban with Rs 5 deposit

A ban on carrying mobile phones inside major temples across Tamil Nadu took effect on September 1, 2026, with authorities implementing a system requiring devotees to deposit their devices at dedicated counters for a fee. The rule, announced by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Minister Ramesh in the state Assembly, aims to curb disruptive behavior and preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the shrines. Under the new directive, devotees must leave their smartphones at counters established at temple entrances. A uniform token fee of Rs 5 is charged per phone, and operators record the devotee's photo, phone model, and number before issuing an acknowledgement slip for retrieval. The system was rolled out at the famed Devarajaswamy Athi Varadar Temple in Kanchipuram from 6 a.m. on September 1, with staff deployed to manage the process. The ban follows a December 2, 2022, order from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The court issued its directive after hearing a public interest case filed by an individual named Seetharaman, who sought a prohibition on mobile phone use inside the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur.