Ban on phones in temples comes into effect in TN, ₹5 fee for depositing devices

The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department's ban on carrying mobile phones inside major temples across the state came into effect on Tuesday. The move follows Madras High Court directives after devotees were found shooting reels and taking photographs inside temple premises. Dedicated counters will allow devotees to deposit phones for a token fee of ₹5/phone.