Telangana High Court Rescinds Order Restricting Late Night Entry Of Children Into Movie Theatres, Says All Stakeholders Need To Be Consulted

The Telangana High Court has rescinded its order restricting children below the age of 16 years from entering movie theatres after 11pm. Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy observed that Multiplex operators, whose interest is stated to be adversely affected due to the direction, should be given an opportunity of hearing."It is relevant to note that 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 the multiplexes/theatres during release of new movies," said the Court. The development comes in a petition challenging action of the State in permitting benefit shows for the movie 'Game Changer' despite the stampede incident that took place at the premiere of the movie 'Pushpa2'. Cases arising out of both movies have been clubbed and are being heard together. On a previous date of hearing, the Bench had noted that children are whiling away their time at movie theatres late at night and thus an interim direction was made restricting their entry late night. This order was challenged before the Chief Division Bench, by the Multiplex Operators on 11th February, contending that it was passed beyond the scope of prayer, statute, and in the absence of necessary parties. However, the Division Bench of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara refrained from interfering in the matter and directed the multiplex operators to get themselves impleaded in the proceedings before the Single Judge and pray for vacation of stay. Following this direction, the Multiplex operators approached the single bench, arguing that the order was passed without considering all stakeholders holders and that the stay was substantially affecting their business. It was bought to the notice of the court that suggestions were already sent to the State and they were under active consideration. Owing to the same, the Bench suspended the stay order and directed the State to expedite the process of forming guidelines. It directed, "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 from the order dated 24.01.2025."The matter is now posted for further hearing on March 17. Case title: Satish Kamaal vs. State of TS. Counsel for implead petitioners: Mr. Niranjan Reddy, Mr, A. Venkatesh, Senior Advocates, with Mr. Sahil Narang, Mr. Dhritiman Roy, Mr. Vidush Sinha, Ms. Rubaina S. Khatoon, Ms. Anjali Manghnani, Ms. Vinitha Reddy, Mr. Mayank Savla. Counsel for State: GP for Home.Click Here To Read/Download Order

Telangana High Court Rescinds Order Restricting Late Night Entry Of Children Into Movie Theatres, Says All Stakeholders Need To Be Consulted

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