Kiran Raj

The Telangana High Court, presiding over a series of writ petitions, has issued interim directions regulating cinema screening timings, ticket prices, and safety measures. These orders were passed to address concerns over public safety and compliance with the Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955, and associated rules. The court stayed executive orders issued by the Telangana government, permitting early morning screenings and increased ticket prices for select films, pending the final disposal of the petitions.

The case arose from multiple writ petitions filed against executive orders by the Telangana government permitting early screenings and increased ticket prices for popular Telugu films, including Game Changer and Pushpa 2.

The petitioners contended that the orders violated the Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955, and the Cinemas Regulation Rules, 1970. They argued that:

1. The government’s executive orders allowed screenings before 8:30 AM, in violation of Rule 12(2) and Form-B of the Cinemas Regulation Rules.

2. The ticket price increases contravened the existing Government Order (GO Ms. 120, dated December 21, 2021), which capped ticket prices.

3. The lack of adequate safety measures during benefit shows and additional screenings posed risks of overcrowding, stampedes, and other public hazards.

In one instance, the petitioners cited an incident during the screening of Pushpa 2 at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, where a stampede resulted in injuries and one fatality. They argued that the government had failed to enforce proper safeguards.

Specific Petitions

1. Writ Petition No. 1184/2025: Filed by Satish Kamaal, challenging an executive order dated January 8, 2025, permitting early morning screenings and ticket price increases for Game Changer. The petitioner sought to annul these orders and ensure adherence to existing ticket pricing norms under GO Ms. 120.

2. Writ Petition No. 33923/2024: Filed against orders allowing additional shows and increased ticket prices for Pushpa 2, arguing that such orders were arbitrary and violated the Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955.

3. Writ Petition No. 37007/2024: Highlighted concerns over safety lapses and overcrowding at theatres. The petition sought the implementation of stricter licensing conditions, including mandatory time gaps between screenings and restrictions on minors attending late-night shows.

The petitioners requested a writ of mandamus to annul the executive orders and direct compliance with statutory provisions.

The Telangana High Court expressed concern over the government’s deviation from the Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955, and licensing rules. The court noted that: “Licensing conditions under Form-B of the Cinemas Regulation Rules explicitly prohibit screenings before 8:30 AM. Allowing early morning shows contravenes these conditions.”

The court also stated the need to regulate the presence of minors at late-night shows, citing the impact on their health and safety. It observed: “Children below 16 years of age should not be permitted to attend screenings after 11 PM in theatres and multiplexes.”

Referring to the stampede incident during Pushpa 2 screenings, the court underscored the importance of crowd management. It recorded: “The lack of safety measures during screenings poses significant risks to public safety. It is imperative for the government and cinema licensing authorities to enforce stricter compliance with safety regulations.”

The court criticized the government for issuing executive orders without consulting stakeholders or assessing the implications of such decisions. It noted that the ad hoc nature of these orders undermined public safety and legal compliance.

The Telangana High Court issued the following interim directions:

1. Early Morning Screenings: The court directed the government to prohibit early morning screenings (before 8:30 AM) until public interest, health, and safety considerations were duly addressed.

2. Regulation of Minors: The court instructed the government to consult stakeholders and regulate the entry of children below 16 years for screenings after 11 PM. Pending such a decision, theatres were directed not to allow minors to attend late-night shows.

3. Ticket Pricing: Executive orders permitting increased ticket prices for specific films were stayed. The court directed adherence to the price limits prescribed under GO Ms. 120.

4. Safety Measures: The court directed cinema licensing authorities to:

• Ensure compliance with rules requiring minimum gaps between screenings.
• Enforce restrictions on the use of firecrackers or other inflammable materials during promotional events.
• Take steps to manage crowds effectively to avoid overcrowding and stampedes.

The court further directed the government to submit a detailed report on the implementation of these directions by February 21, 2025.

Case Title: Satish Kamaal & Ors. vs. State of Telangana & Ors.
Case Numbers: Writ Petition Nos. 1184 and 1189 of 2025; Writ Petition Nos. 33923 and 37007 of 2024
Bench: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy

[Read/Download order]