Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement a ban against the use of mobile phones in temples across Tamil Nadu, “so as to maintain purity and sanctity”.

Justices R. Mahadevan and J. Sathya Narayana Prasad of the Madurai Bench gave the direction to the State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department on Friday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) plea.

Petitioner M. Seetharaman had sought a direction to the authorities concerned to take effective measures to prohibit the possession and use of cellphones inside the premises of Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district. It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga.

Among others, the petitioner contended that since the temple was an ancient shrine, free and peaceful darshan was being hindered by the use of cameras to videograph or photograph the Deeparathanai, pujas and other rituals. All devotees possess mobile phones and take photographs or videos within the premises of the temple without any restrictions.

The court ruled: “In the light of the aforesaid report, which discloses that the second respondent (executive officer/ joint commissioner) 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,” the court said.

“The first respondent (The commissioner, HR&CE) is directed to comply the above directions in all the temples of Tamil Nadu so as to maintain the purity and sanctity,” the bench added.