India, Feb. 2 -- Temple entry restrictions have often sparked debates, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the Madras High Court has now barred non-Hindus from entering the sanctum areas. The court has directed Tamil Nadu's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to install signboards, proclaiming "non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple beyond the kodimaram (flagpole)", in all Hindu temples in the State. Temples are not tourist/picnic spots and Hindus have a fundamental right to practice their religion, the judgment stressed. The decision has raised concerns regarding its constitutional validity and potential social repercussions. The practice of restricting entry into certain sections of temples based on religiou...