India, Sept. 2 -- The chief minister C Jospeh Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government has reportedly banned smartphones inside 52 major temples across the state. The restriction is said to have come into effect on Tuesday.

Phones without cameras, though, will be allowed inside the premises. Under the new rules, devotees carrying smartphones must deposit them at designated counters at temple entrances and pay a fee of Rs.5 per phone, ANI news agency reported, citing the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, which manages the temples.

This follows earlier directions of the Madras high court and comes amid concerns over devotees taking photographs, recording videos, shooting reels and selfies inside temple premises.

HR&CE ...