Telangana High Court Suspends Executive Order on Enhanced Movie Ticket Rates

Court Directs Commissioner of Police to Ensure Compliance with CBFC Certification for "A" Rated Movie

In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court, presided over by Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, has suspended an executive order permitting enhanced ticket rates for a specific movie show. The decision came in response to a writ petition filed by Barla Mallesh Yadav, challenging the Executive Order Memo No.11922/General AI/2025 dated 19.09.2025, which allowed for inflated ticket prices for the Telugu movie "Ojas Gambheera" on the evening of September 24, 2025.

The petitioner argued that the order contravened the Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955 and violated G.O. Ms. No.120 issued on 21.12.2021, which prescribes admission rates and maintenance charges for cinema theatres. According to the petitioner, the Commissioner of Police, as the competent licensing authority, is responsible for fixing ticket rates, not the issuing authority of the challenged memo.

The court concurred with the petitioner's assertion, pointing out that the impugned order was issued in contravention of the established guidelines and previous judicial directions. Justice Kumar emphasized that the Commissioner of Police holds the authority to set admission prices and directed the interim suspension of the memo.

Furthermore, the court addressed concerns regarding the movie's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which rated the film "A" for adult audiences only. The Commissioner of Police was instructed to ensure strict compliance with the CBFC certification, restricting entry to viewers above 18 years of age.

The government's defense, highlighting an alternative remedy through appeal under Section 7 of the A.P. Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955, was noted by the court. However, Justice Kumar determined that the writ petition's immediate concern was the legality of the executive order itself, not an appeal on licensing refusal.

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on October 9, 2025, as the court continues to assess the implications of the impugned order on cinema ticket pricing and audience access.

Bottom Line:

Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955 - Interim suspension of impugned executive order permitting enhanced ticket rates for a movie show - Commissioner of Police directed to ensure compliance with CBFC certification, restricting entry to 18+ adult audience. 

Statutory provision(s): Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955 - Section 2(1-A), Rule 11(3)(a), Section 7, G.O. Ms. No.120, dated 21.12.2021

Barla Mallesh Yadav v. State of Telangana, (Telangana) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2783922