Bengaluru: Karnataka’s cinema lovers have been dealt a blow by the High Court. On Tuesday, the High Court stayed the state government’s order capping ticket prices at ₹200 for cinema halls and multiplexes. Justice Ravi Hosamani passed the interim order on petitions filed by the Multiplex Association of India and several producers, including Hombale Films.
The state government’s September 12th order was challenged. Their big-budget film “Kantara Chapter 1” is scheduled to release on October 2nd. The petitioners challenged the government order, arguing that Rule 55(6) contradicts the Karnataka Cinema Regulation Act and violates Articles 14 (right to equality before the law) and 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession) of the Constitution. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the association, argued that the state government has no power to fix prices under the Karnataka Cinema Regulation Act. Furthermore, the notification violates the rights of multiplex owners who have invested heavily in building cinema halls.
The government defended its decision, stating that it is essential to make cinema accessible and affordable to all sections of society. It also argued that it has the right to regulate cinema hall prices. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, at whose request the cap was imposed, defended the government’s decision, stating that capping movie ticket prices would help the Kannada film industry.
