The Karnataka High Court temporarily blocked the new rule that sets a limit on cinema ticket prices at ₹200, excluding GST, in all theatres and multiplexes across the State.
On September 23, Justice Ravi V. Hosmani issued a interim order regarding petitions from the Multiplex Association of India, along with film production companies Hombale Films, Keystone Entertainment, and VK Films.
Karnataka High Court impose ticket prices for cinema exhibitions
The petitioners argued that the State Government lacks the authority under the Karnataka Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1964, and the accompanying rules, to regulate or set ticket prices for cinema exhibitions. This Act mainly focuses on licensing cinema theatres, not on ticket pricing.
The petitioners also challenged the legality of a amendment made to the Karnataka Cinema (Regulation) Rules, effective from September 12, which caps ticket prices at ₹200, except in multiplexes with premium facilities and 75 seats or fewer.
They noted that a same effort to limit ticket prices occurred in 2017 with a Government Order (GO), but that order retracted after cinema owners and others raised questions about its legality.
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