Madras high court prohibits people from using cellphones inside temple premises

MADURAI: The Madras high court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement a ban against the usage of mobile phones in temples across Tamil Nadu, “so as to maintain the purity and sanctity”.

A bench of justices R Mahadevan and J Sathya Narayana Prasad gave the direction to the State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department on Friday while hearing a plea.

The petitioner, M Seetharaman, sought a direction to the authorities concerned to take effective measures to prohibit the possession and usage of android cellphones inside the premises of Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district in the State.

The petitioner contended that since the said temple is an ancient shrine, for peaceful prayers, the usage of camera to videograph or photograph the rituals is a hindrance.

The court was informed by the temple authorities that steps have been taken to impose restrictions for usage of cell phones by the priest, devotees, public and others inside the shrine, appoint self-help groups to supervise the usage of cell phones and set up security counters for deposit of cell phones.

“...The first respondent is directed to comply the above directions in all the temples of Tamil Nadu so as to maintain the purity and sanctity,” the bench ruled. The judges said temples are great institutions and are central to every one’s life.

“The Rules under the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act, 1947 also prescribe certain code of conduct for maintenance of order and decorum in the temple, apart from the regulations made by the trustee or authority,” the court said.