📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Religion
Tamil Nadu Government Bans Mobile Phones in Over 50 Temples, Imposes Rs 5 Deposit
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 01:36 PM
👁 64
The state government has ordered a ban on mobile phones inside more than 50 temples, requiring devotees to leave phones for a Rs 5 deposit.
The Tamil Nadu government announced that mobile phones will no longer be permitted inside more than 50 temples across the state. The directive, aimed at preserving the sanctity of worship spaces, seeks to eliminate disturbances caused by ringing devices.
Temple authorities will collect a refundable deposit of Rs 5 from each visitor who wishes to keep a phone outside the sanctum. The amount will be returned when the device is retrieved after the puja.
Security staff and temple volunteers will enforce the rule, and any violation may attract penalties as per the new guidelines. Signage indicating the ban will be displayed at all affected entrances.
The policy applies to all mobile devices, including smartphones and feature phones. Officials said the measure responds to concerns raised by priests and devotees about noise and distraction during rituals.
Public reaction is mixed; some appreciate the effort to maintain a peaceful environment, while others view the deposit requirement as an inconvenience. The administration has urged full cooperation to ensure smooth implementation.
Temple authorities will collect a refundable deposit of Rs 5 from each visitor who wishes to keep a phone outside the sanctum. The amount will be returned when the device is retrieved after the puja.
Security staff and temple volunteers will enforce the rule, and any violation may attract penalties as per the new guidelines. Signage indicating the ban will be displayed at all affected entrances.
The policy applies to all mobile devices, including smartphones and feature phones. Officials said the measure responds to concerns raised by priests and devotees about noise and distraction during rituals.
Public reaction is mixed; some appreciate the effort to maintain a peaceful environment, while others view the deposit requirement as an inconvenience. The administration has urged full cooperation to ensure smooth implementation.