Ban on mobile phones at temples in Tamil Nadu come into effect, Rs 5 deposit fee at designated entrance counters. After the mobile phone ban, a scene of phones being deposited at the Vadapalani Murugan Temple in Chennai came into effect from today.
Meanwhile, HR&CE minister C Ramesh said the ₹5 fee being collected for depositing phones is not aimed at revenue generation, but solely to meet the expenses of operating phone-deposit counters securely. “Separate staff have to be appointed to operate the counters across the 52 temples, besides expenditure on security lockers and other infrastructure.
The HR&CE department said the decision to ban camera-enabled phones followed repeated instances of devotees and visitors taking photographs and recording videos of deities and idols inside temples. some devotees said the implementation could pose practical difficulties, particularly at crowded temples While the department has made arrangements for devotees to deposit phones in secure lockers and collect them after darshan . We told them that phones without cameras are allowed inside. There will be issues in the initial days, people will adapt soon,” said an HR&CE official. T Sadagopan, a consumer activist, said, “Mobile phones have become essential for everyday communication and services such as booking vehicles and making online payments. Mobile phones are already prohibited at the Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai and Rameswaram temples,” he said.
“Some were angry. The govt should also introduce online pooja and darshan booking system. The system will eventually be extended to medium-sized and smaller temples.
On Tuesday, a few devotees argued with temple authorities over the restriction.