Telangana High Court: A Single Judge Bench of B. Vijaysen Reddy., J., revoked the previous order dated 24-01-2025 (‘last order’) whereby children below the age of 16 years were barred from watching movies in cinemas after 11 PM.
A writ petition was filed against State action to enhance the ticket price and add additional shows for the movie ‘Game Changer’. The Court, vide the last order barred children below the age of 16 to watch movies in cinemas after 11 pm.
The Court stated that the multiplex operators, whose interests were said to be adversely affected, had to be given an opportunity of being heard and their interests had to be considered before any order was passed.
The Court noted that there was no regulation restricting the entry of children into theatres during late night shows. However, the last order might have ramifications all over the State and cause substantial loss to the multiplexes/ theatres during the release of new movies.
Thus, the Court deleted the sentence “Till such decision is taken the respondents shall not allow children below l6 years to watch movies after 11 PM” from the last order.
The Court also directed the State to expedite the dialogue with stakeholders and take a decision in terms of the last order at the earliest.
[Satish Kamaal v. State of Telangana, 2025 SCC OnLine TS 175, decided on 24-02-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For the petitioner: Md Sultana Basha
For the respondent: S. Niranjan Reddy and Senior Counsel A. Venkatesh
