Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh has announced a statewide ban on mobile phones inside major temple premises, effective 1 September 2026. The move aims to preserve the sanctity of these worship spaces and curb unauthorised photography, particularly following the viral circulation of videos capturing the sanctum sanctorum. While devotees will deposit their devices at dedicated counters, the state has also tightened regulations around VIP temple visits to ensure minimal disruption to regular worshippers. Minister Ramesh emphasised that the restriction is a direct response to the increasing instances of unauthorised filming. Previously, similar bans were enforced sporadically in selective shrines, but this blanket implementation across all major Tamil Nadu temples marks a significant shift in policy.