Hyderabad: The Telangana high court modified its earlier order on not allowing children watch movies at theatres and multiplexes after 11 pm and directed the state to take an appropriate decision as expeditiously as possible on regulating their entry.
A Jan 24, 2025 order of the Telangana high court said that managements of theatres and multiplexes shall not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11 PM. Justice B Vijaysen Reddy on Saturday issued interim directions modifying this order. The directions were issued following a request by owners of multiplexes and theatres in the state.
Justice Vijaysen Reddy earlier clarified that till the govt takes a decision in this regard, children below 16 years of age cannot be allowed to watch films after 11 PM. As multiplex operators were also stakeholders regarding the directions, they also should be given an opportunity before passing any orders in the matter, observed the judge.
Meanwhile, the govt pleader also informed the court that the govt has received suggestions from the stakeholders and it is in active consideration and an appropriate decision will be taken as expeditiously as possible.
Senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy, representing the theatres and multiplexes, argued that there are no statutory restrictions for allowing children of any age to watch late-night movies and contended that the orders were issued in a petition challenging the enhanced ticket prices for ‘Pushpa-2′ and ‘Game Changer’ and allowing the screening of benefit shows and additional shows, which was not a question in this petition.
However, the court issued directions restricting children from late-night shows, which was not within the scope of the petition. He also argued that his clients are not aggrieved by the direction of the court to the govt to consult all stakeholders and take necessary decisions to regulate the entry of children.
Justice Vijaysen Reddy opined that the matter required the opinion of multiplex operators, whose interests were also adversely affected. “The orders may have ramifications all over the state and may cause substantial loss to multiplexes and theatres during the release of new movies,” the judge remarked.
