Ban mobile phones on TN temple premises, Madras HC tells govt

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.” Justice R Mahadevan and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad of the HC bench here gave the direction to the State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department on Friday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL).

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

“In the light of the aforesaid report, which discloses that the second respondent has already taken all effective measures for ban on mobile phones, decent dress code, etc. inside the premises of the subject temple, this court directs the respondent authorities to implement the aforesaid conditions in letter and spirit, besides directing the superintendent of police and the district collector of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district, to accede to the request made by the second respondent.”

PLEA HAD SOUGHT PROHIBITION OF USAGE OF PHONES INSIDE PREMISES OF ARULMIGU SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE