Kanchipuram, Sept. 1 -- The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department's (HR&CE) ban on carrying cell phones inside major temples across the state has come into effect from Tuesday.

The decision, aligning with earlier Madras High Court directives, was issued after it was noticed that devotees, especially youngsters, were shooting reels and taking photographs inside temple premises, flouting guidelines. HR&CE Minister Ramesh had announced in the Assembly that the ban would apply in major temples from September 1.

As part of the implementation, dedicated counters have been established at temple entrances to keep mobile phones brought by devotees, and a uniform token fee of Rs.5 per phone will be charged.

At the famed...