Bengaluru, September 23 - In a packed courtroom buzzing with lawyers and industry folks, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday pressed the pause button on the State’s fresh rule that limited cinema ticket prices to ₹200. The interim stay came after a volley of arguments from multiplex operators, film producers and even a few big-name advocates, all challenging the government’s attempt to control what audiences pay for a movie night.
Background
The State had amended the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules earlier this year, fixing ₹200 as the maximum chargeable rate for all theatres, multiplexes included. Several petitioners, including the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), a shareholder of PVR INOX and production house Hombale Films, cried foul. They argued that the amendment went beyond the law’s purpose, which mainly deals with licensing and construction of theatres, not pricing.
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Counsel for the petitioners pointed out that luxury formats-IMAX, 4DX, reclining seats-cost far more to run than single-screen halls. Yet the cap treated every theatre the same. “The blanket application of the cap, irrespective of investment or technology, is manifestly arbitrary,” their joint plea said.
Court’s Observations
Justice hearing the matter listened closely as Senior Advocate Udaya Holla, representing MAI, pressed the point that audiences should have the choice to pay for premium experiences. “If viewers want to pay more for comfort or cutting-edge screens, the State shouldn’t stop them,” he argued, adding that a similar cap had been scrapped years ago after a court challenge.
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Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for Hombale Films, questioned the State’s authority altogether. Pricing, he maintained, is “a matter strictly between theatre owners and customers,” noting that producers rely on fair ticket rates to recover heavy investments.
The State, represented by Additional Advocate General Ismail Zabiulla, countered that the amendment was driven by public interest and constitutional principles promoting social welfare. The government believed a price ceiling would make cinema more accessible and protect ordinary viewers from soaring costs.
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Decision
After considering these arguments, the bench granted an interim stay on the new rule. “Until the next hearing, the operation of the amendment capping ticket prices at ₹200 shall remain stayed,” the court ordered, effectively allowing theatres to set their own prices for now. The case will return for a detailed hearing in the coming weeks, leaving both cine-goers and cinema owners watching closely for the next reel in this legal drama.
Case Title: Multiplex Association of India & Ors v. State of Karnataka & Ors
Petitioners: Multiplex Association of India (MAI), PVR INOX shareholder, Hombale Films, Keystone Entertainments
Respondents: State of Karnataka
Date of Order: September 23, 2025
