The Tamil Nadu police has banned officials below the rank of a sub-inspector from using mobile phones while on work, saying it "distracts" them from discharging official duties. A recent circular issued by the office of Director General of Police (DGP) TK Rajendiran, particularly pointed out at the men in uniform using the mobiles to surf the social media.

"It is noticed that police personnel deployed on important bandobust (security) duties, frequently use phones for Whatsapp etc, and this distracts them from discharging official duties, particularly at sensitive and critical times," it said. Henceforth, only officials above the rank of sub-inspector can use mobile phones while on duty even as it is "used only for official purpose," while on important duty, it said.