The Madras High Court has banned the use of mobile phones inside temples across Tamil Nadu to maintain purity and sanctity of the places of worship.

The court observed that as per Agama Shastra, temple authorities should ensure decency of worship and sanctity of temple are maintained. Therefore, the usage of mobile phones and cameras inside the premises, which diverts the attention of the devotees from the purpose of visiting the temple, can be regulated by the authorities concerned.

To avoid inconvenience to people, the court said phone deposit lockers should be set up at temples.

While agreeing that there cannot be any dispute that under Article 25 of the Constitution, all persons are entitled to freely profess, practice and propagate religion, the judges said, “However, such freedom to act and practise can be subject to regulations, inside the premises of the temple. The Agamas prescribe the rules regarding the rituals to be followed in the worship services at the temple.”

The judges passed the order while hearing a petition praying to take effective measures to prohibit mobile phone usage inside the Subramaniya Swamy temple in coastal Tiruchendur.