The Telangana High Court recently directed the State government to regulate early morning and late night entry of children into theaters and multiplexes [Satish Kamaal v. The State of Telangana]..Justice B Vijaysen Reddy ordered that till a decision is taken by the State, children below 16 years of age shall not be allowed to watch movies in theaters and multiplexes after 11 PM.“In the considered opinion of this Court, the children below 16 years should not be permitted to watch late night movie shows after 11 PM in theatres and Multiplexes. In the circumstances, the respondent No.1 is directed to consult all the stake holders and take necessary decision in that regard and issue instructions to all concerned for regulating entry of children below sixteen (16) years in theatres/multiplexes before 11 AM and after 11 PM,” the Court ordered..The Court passed the directions while hearing petitions challenging the increase in ticket prices for movies Pushpa-2 and Game Changer. The petitions also sought safety measures at multiplexes to prevent stampedes as well as a ban on allowing any movie exhibition after 1:30 AM and before 8:40 AM.On January 24, it was submitted before the Court that children should not be permitted to watch movies during late hours, as it would have an adverse impact on their physical and mental health..The last show in multiplexes run until 1:30 AM and there are no restrictions on the entry of minors into theatres for late night shows, Advocate Vijay Gopal, who appeared for the petitioners, submitted.“The Government should have taken a prompt decision for regulating entry of minors in theatres, more particularly, in view of the unfortunate stampede incident during the benefit show of 'Pushpa - 2' in Sandhya Theatre, which lead to grievous injuries to a minor boy and death of his mother,” he said..The Court directed the State to take a decision on the issue, with the further direction that, “Till such decision is taken, the respondents shall not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11 PM.”The Court will hear the matter next on February 22..Advocates Sultana Basha, Vijay Gopal, Mahesh Mamidala and P Srinivas Reddy represented the petitioners.Advocate Mahesh Raje represented the State..[Read Order]
