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Synopsis

The Telangana High Court has ruled that minors, specifically below the age of 16, shall not be permitted to attend movie screenings in theatres or multiplexes after 11 PM and before 11 AM.

A Single judge bench of Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, issued the order in response to a batch of writ petitions challenging the government’s decision to allow early morning and late-night movie shows, particularly citing public safety concerns following the stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre during the benefit show of “Pushpa - 2”, which resulted in a minor sustaining injuries and the death of his mother.

Several petitioners, represented by Advocates Md. Sultana Basha, Vijay Gopal, Mahesh Mamidala, and P. Srinivas Reddy, approached the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, challenging the Telangana government's decisions regarding cinema regulations. Their grievances primarily centered on three issues:

1. the permission granted for additional shows, including early morning screenings at 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, which they argued violated licensing conditions under the AP Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1970;
2. the arbitrary enhancement of cinema ticket prices, particularly for the films ‘Game Changer’ and ‘Pushpa - 2’, which they contended was contrary to established government orders; and
3. public safety risks arising from overcrowding in theatres, insufficient gaps between consecutive screenings, and hazardous publicity methods such as fireworks.

The petitioners asserted that exposing children to late-night screenings could have an adverse impact on their physical and mental health . Referencing License Condition 12(43) in Form B of the Cinematograph Exhibition Rules, 1970, it was emphasised that movie screenings before 8:40 AM and after 1:30 AM were impermissible.

The petitioners urged the court to direct the Telangana government to frame comprehensive regulations prohibiting such screenings for minors and to impose stricter safety measures in cinema halls to mitigate potential risks.

Agreeing with the contentions of the petitioners, the court directed the government to consult with all stakeholders and issue formal guidelines to regulate minors’ access to theatres during late hours. Until such guidelines are implemented, authorities are prohibited from allowing children below 16 years into theatres after 11 PM.

“In the considered opinion of this Court, the children below 16 years should not be permitted to watch late night movie shows after 11 PM in theatres and multiplexes,” the court stated in its order.

The court with these directives posted the matter on February 21, 2025 for further hearing.

 

Cause Title: Satish Kamaal v The State of Telangana and connected matters [WP. NO. ll84 of 2025]