High Court Criticises Government Over Additional Shows
The High Court condemned the decision by the government in allowing the extra shows early in the morning in the guise of not permitting the benefit shows. On Friday, the court instructed the government to stop early morning screenings until the public health and safety measures are adequately provided. It further asked for an inspection of the elevated ticket price of the film Game Changer in 24 hours.
Challenge through Law Regarding Increased Ticket Price and Benefit Shows
Three petitions were filed in the High Court to challenge the orders allowing increased ticket prices and additional screenings for the movie. Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy resumed the hearing on Friday who had heard the case on Thursday. The judge criticized the indirect approval of benefit shows by the government, saying, "If early-morning shows are allowed, they must be considered benefit shows." The court questioned the rationale of allowing such timings, emphasizing concerns about public safety, particularly for minors.
Restrictions Proposed to Ensure Safety
Justice Reddy recommended a more stringent restriction, such as prohibiting minors below 16 years of age from entering cinemas and pubs after midnight. The court threatened to close theaters and pubs that operated after 11 PM.
Arguments Advanced by Petitioners and the Government
The lawyer for the petitioners contended that under the existing rules, only four shows a day are allowed. The counsel further pointed out that after an incident at Sandhya Theatre, the government had a policy not to allow benefit shows. Still, six shows were allowed from as early as 4 AM for Game Changer.
On the other hand, the lawyer representing the government argued that raising ticket prices and the extra shows were justified since five shows can be held in single-screen cinemas and multiplexes. According to him, the hike in ticket price that was approved-Rs. 150 for multiplexes and Rs. 100 for single theatres- was to offset the huge investment in the film.
Court Directs Review of Ticket Prices With Immediate Effect
Having considered the arguments, the court asked the Principal Secretary in the Home Department to reconsider the ticket price hike in the next 24 hours. The court clarified that no immediate orders could be issued on holding more shows since the film had already been released. The case would come up on January 28.
