Telangana High Court Extends Stay on Enhanced Cinema Ticket Rates
Interim Order Maintained Against Impugned Memo Contravening Government Order
In a significant development, the Telangana High Court has extended the interim stay on the impugned memo that prescribed enhanced cinema ticket rates and permitted a premier show, until the next hearing scheduled for October 9, 2025. The memo was found to contravene the existing Government Order (G.O.Ms.No.120, dated December 21, 2021), which sets the regulations for cinema ticket pricing in Telangana.
The judgment, delivered by Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, came in response to a writ petition filed by Barla Mallesh Yadav challenging the memo issued by the Special Chief Secretary to Government on September 19, 2025. The petitioner argued that the memo allowed an unjustified increase in ticket prices, impacting moviegoers and violating the stipulations of G.O.Ms.No.120, which mandates strict compliance with ticket pricing guidelines.
Representing the respondent No.3, DVV Entertainments, Senior Counsel Sri Avinash Desai contended that the petitioner’s claims were more akin to a Public Interest Litigation and questioned the maintainability of the writ petition on individual grounds. He emphasized that the memo was a result of an application to the Minister for Cinematography, seeking a temporary hike in ticket prices due to the high-budget nature of the film and the anticipated demand during the festive season.
However, Justice Kumar highlighted that the impugned memo was issued without sufficient reasoning or compliance with Section 12 of the Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955, which governs exemptions and conditions for cinema operations. The judge underscored the importance of adhering to the established government order and previous judicial directions, noting the absence of any counter-arguments or written instructions from the State Government justifying the memo.
The judgment also acknowledged the financial impact on stakeholders due to ticket sales already completed under the enhanced rates, as argued by Senior Counsel S. Niranjan Reddy for the implead petitioner. Nonetheless, the court maintained its stance on the illegality of the memo, stating that a detailed counter from the State Government was necessary to resolve the controversy.
In light of the ongoing legal proceedings and pending writ petitions addressing similar issues, the court decided to extend the stay on the impugned memo, reinforcing the adherence to G.O.Ms.No.120 and ensuring compliance with judicial orders until a final decision is reached.
Bottom Line:
The impugned memo prescribing enhanced cinema ticket rates and permission for a premier show was found to be in contravention of the existing Government Order (G.O.Ms.No.120, dated 21.12.2021). Interim order extending the stay on the impugned memo was passed until the next hearing.
Statutory provision(s): Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955, Section 12; G.O.Ms.No.120, dated 21.12.2021
Barla Mallesh Yadav v. State of Telangana, (Telangana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2785651
