The Telangana High Court has overturned its earlier order that restricted children under the age of 16 from entering movie theatres after 11 PM. Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy emphasized that the directive was issued without proper consultation with stakeholders, including multiplex operators, whose interests were significantly affected.
The court acknowledged that no existing statutory regulation explicitly prohibits children from attending late-night shows. The order, initially passed on January 24, 2025, was challenged by Multiplex Operators, arguing that it led to substantial financial losses for theatres, especially during the release of major films.
Background of the Case
The controversy stemmed from a petition challenging the State's decision to permit special benefit shows for the Telugu movie Game Changer, despite concerns over crowd control and safety following a stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2. The cases for both movies were merged and heard together.
Read Also:- Telangana High Court Addresses Alleged Aadhaar-Based Denial of Treatment at State Hospital
Previously, the court had observed that many children were spending time in theatres late at night, leading to an interim restriction on their entry after 11 PM. However, the Multiplex Operators contested this ruling before the Chief Division Bench on February 11, 2025, arguing that:
- The order was passed beyond the scope of the original petition.
- It lacked statutory backing.
- It was imposed without consulting all affected stakeholders.
The Division Bench of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara refrained from directly intervening but instructed the multiplex operators to present their concerns before the Single Judge and seek a modification of the stay order.
Read Also:- Telangana High Court Acquits Co-Accused in NDPS Case: Mere Suspicion Not Enough for Conviction
The multiplex operators contended that the ruling was affecting their business operations and that necessary suggestions had already been submitted to the State Government for review. In response, the court acknowledged the following key points:
"There is no statutory regulation as of now restricting entry of children in theatres during late night shows. The order of this Court dated 24.01.2025 may have ramifications all over the State and may cause substantial loss to multiplexes/theatres during the release of new movies."
Given these concerns, the court modified its earlier order and ruled that the restriction on children below 16 watching movies after 11 PM should be removed. The ruling stated:
"In the interest of justice, the order dated 24.01.2025 is modified, and the direction ‘Till such decision is taken, the respondents shall not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11 PM’ shall stand deleted."
Furthermore, the State Government was directed to expedite the formulation of clear guidelines regarding the regulation of late-night theatre admissions.
The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on March 17, 2025
Case title: Satish Kamaal vs. State of TS.
Counsel for implead petitioners: senior counsels S Niranjan Reddy and A. Venkatesh.
Counsel for State: GP for Home.
