{
  "id": 5011157,
  "title": "Vijay govt bans mobile phones in 52 temples in TN",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/vijay-govt-bans-mobile-phones-in-52-temples-in-tn",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T04:13:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/tamil-nadu-temple-mobile-ban-vijay-govt-restricts-phone-entry-at-50-temples-rs-5-to-be-charged-for-deposit/articleshow/133696874.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Starting September 1, Tamil Nadu's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department has banned mobile phones inside 52 major temples across the state. Devotees will be required to deposit their phones at designated counters before entering, with a ₹5 deposit fee per device. Temple staff will keep the phones secure and return them after darshan, requiring proper records to be maintained. The move aims to preserve temple sanctity and prevent unauthorized photography and social media content. Additionally, temple authorities are considering implementing queue management systems to streamline devotee movement during peak times, especially at high-traffic temples. The new rule also applies when VIPs and dignitaries visit temples, though permission may be granted for authorized photography and videography.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Tamil Nadu bans mobile phones in 52 major Hindu temples starting September 1",
    "Devotees must deposit phones at counters with ₹5 deposit fee per device",
    "Temple staff secure phones, return after darshan with proper records"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}