Chennai: The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department Commissioner Vinay has issued a warning that officials and staff will face immediate departmental action if video or photo recording is permitted inside temple premises and the content later circulates publicly.
A message described as a “final warning” is being shared in a WhatsApp group of temple executive officers. It states that if media recording, video shooting or photography is allowed within temple premises and the visuals appear in the media or spread outside the temple, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned personnel.
The note cites recent instances of videos featuring actors and other prominent persons emerging from inside temple premises, suggesting that recording is being allowed without proper permission. It reiterates that no media recording, video recording or shooting should be permitted inside temples without prior approval from the department.
However, some temple executive officers have expressed strong dissatisfaction. They said that when actors, ministers and other political figures visit temples, large groups including media personnel and party functionaries arrive and record photos and videos.
They added that in the current technology-driven environment it is difficult to stop everyone from filming, and attempts to prevent recording can lead to arguments and daily disputes. Without a clear procedure, they said, holding staff responsible whenever a video surfaces could result in action against many, and urged that orders be issued after wider consultation.
