Telangana High Court Upholds 90-Day Disclosure Rule for Movie Ticket Price Hikes
In a significant development for the Telangana film industry, a division bench of the Telangana High Court has declined to provide interim relief to movie production house M/s Shine Screens India LLP. The production company had challenged a January 20 order from a single judge that mandated advance disclosure of any proposed increases in movie ticket prices.
Court Directs Production House to Approach Single Judge
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, specifically directed Shine Screens to pursue its remedies before the single judge where related matters are already pending. This decision came during the hearing of an appeal filed by the production house against the single judge's order, which was issued while hearing a suo motu contempt case.
Controversy Over Chiranjeevi-Nayanthara Film Ticket Prices
The legal dispute originated from the government's decision to permit a ticket price hike for the recent Tollywood release 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' starring megastar Chiranjeevi and actress Nayanthara. The single judge had taken serious note of this decision, finding it to be in violation of existing high court orders regarding cinema ticket pricing regulations.
In response to this perceived violation, the judge initiated contempt proceedings against Special Chief Secretary (Home) CV Anand for allegedly issuing orders to increase ticket rates without proper authorization or compliance with judicial directives.
90-Day Advance Disclosure Requirement Upheld
The central provision of the contested order requires that if the government proposes to permit a ticket price hike for any film in the future, this decision must be placed in the public domain at least 90 days before the film's release. This advance notice period is designed to enable aggrieved or interested parties to avail statutory remedies under Section 7A of the Telangana Cinemas Regulation Act.
The single judge observed that such advance disclosure would allow stakeholders to file appropriate applications or legal challenges before the proposed price increase takes effect, ensuring transparency and procedural fairness in cinema ticket pricing decisions.
Production House's Arguments and Court's Response
Shine Screens approached the division bench contending that the 90-day disclosure guideline adversely affected the rights of film producers and created operational challenges for the industry. The production house argued that such requirements could potentially impact film release schedules and marketing strategies.
However, the division bench declined to entertain the appeal at this stage, emphasizing that the appropriate forum for addressing these concerns remains before the single judge who issued the original order. The bench's refusal to grant interim relief effectively maintains the status quo regarding the advance disclosure requirement while the matter continues through the judicial process.
Broader Implications for Telangana Film Industry
This legal development has significant implications for the Telangana film industry, particularly regarding how ticket prices are determined and disclosed for upcoming releases. The 90-day advance notice requirement represents a substantial shift in cinema ticket pricing transparency, potentially affecting how production houses, distributors, and theater owners plan their release strategies.
The case also highlights ongoing tensions between film industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities regarding ticket pricing autonomy versus consumer protection and procedural compliance. As the matter continues before the single judge, industry observers will be watching closely for further developments that could reshape cinema ticket pricing regulations in Telangana.
