Telangana High Court Temporarily Restricts Children's Entry Into Movie Theatres After 11 PM, Directs State To Regulate Entry

The Telangana High Court has directed the Principal Secretary, Home Department to consult all the necessary stakeholders and take a decision with regard to the instructions that need to be issued to regulate the entry of children (below 16) into theatres/multiplexes after 11 pm.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy who was hearing the matter passed an interim direction restricting the entry of children below the age of 16 years into movie theatres after 11 pm.

“In the circumstances, the respondent No.1 is directed to consult all the stake holders and take necessary decision in that regard and issue instructions to all concerned for regulating entry of children below sixteen (16) years in theatres/multiplexes before 11 AM and after 11 PM. Till such decision is taken the respondents shall! not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11 PM. Till such decision is taken the respondents shall not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11pm.”

The order was passed in a writ petition filed by an aggrieved individual challenging the action of the respondents in permitting benefit shows and an enhanced ticket price for the movie 'Game Changer'.

Previously, when the matter was taken up, Justice Reddy had come down heavy on the State for permitting benefit shows at 2 am despite the recent 'Pushpa-2' stampede incident that claimed the life of a mother and left her son severely unwell.

On this date of hearing, the state informed the Court that a decision was taken to not permit benefit shows here after.

“It was further decided that early morning shows in future will not be permitted until public interest, health and safety are duly considered.”

The counsel for the petitioner further argued that License Condition 12(43) in Form B of the License for Cinematography Exhibition under the A.P. Cinema (Regulations) Rules, 1970 does not permit exhibition of films out of the 8:40 am to 1:30 am bracket. The counsel pressed that, viewership of children more than adults needs to be regularised.

Accepting this argument, the court said “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.”

Thus, direction was given to the State to take necessary action.

Case: Satish Kamaal vs. State of Telangana, rep by its Principal Secretary Home & ors.

Counsel for petitioners: P. Srinivasa Reddy

Counsel for respondents: GP for Home.

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