The Telangana High Court has ruled that minors under the age of 16 will not be allowed to attend movie screenings at theatres or multiplexes after 11 PM and before 11 AM.

This decision came after a series of writ petitions were filed challenging the state government's decision to permit early morning and late-night movie shows, particularly in light of a tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre during the benefit show of Pushpa 2.

The incident, which resulted in a minor being injured and his mother losing her life, raised serious concerns about public safety.

A Single Judge bench, led by Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, issued the order following these petitions, which were represented by advocates Md. Sultana Basha, Vijay Gopal, Mahesh Mamidala, and P. Srinivas Reddy. The petitioners argued that the government’s decision to allow additional movie screenings, including early morning shows at 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, violated licensing rules under the AP Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1970.

They also raised concerns about arbitrary price hikes for tickets, particularly for Game Changer and Pushpa 2, which they claimed contradicted government orders. Additionally, they highlighted public safety risks related to overcrowding in theatres, insufficient gaps between shows, and dangerous publicity methods such as fireworks.

The petitioners emphasized the negative effects of late-night screenings on minors' physical and mental health, referencing the Cinematograph Exhibition Rules, 1970, which prohibit screenings before 8:40 AM and after 1:30 AM. They urged the court to mandate the Telangana government to establish regulations banning such screenings for minors and to implement stricter safety measures in cinemas.

Agreeing with the petitioners' arguments, the court instructed the government to consult with all relevant stakeholders and create formal guidelines to regulate minors' access to theatres during late hours. Until these guidelines are in place, the authorities were directed to prevent children under 16 from attending movie shows after 11 PM.

The court’s order stated: "In the considered opinion of this Court, children below 16 years should not be permitted to watch late-night movie shows after 11 PM in theatres and multiplexes."

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on February 21, 2025.

Cause Title: Satish Kamaal v The State of Telangana and connected matters [WP. NO. 1184 of 2025]