In a recent development, the Telangana High Court has rescinded its earlier directive that prohibited children below 16 years of age from attending movie screenings in theatres after 11 PM. This decision was made by Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, who emphasized the necessity of consulting all relevant stakeholders before implementing such restrictions.
The initial order, issued on January 24, 2025, arose from concerns regarding the safety and well-being of minors attending late-night shows. This concern was heightened by a tragic incident during the premiere of the film 'Pushpa 2' at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where a stampede resulted in the death of a woman and critical injuries to her minor son. Petitioners argued that late-night shows could adversely affect children's physical and mental health, leading the court to impose the restriction.
However, this restriction faced opposition from multiplex operators and other stakeholders, who contended that the directive significantly impacted their business operations. They highlighted that existing regulations permitted shows to run until 1:30 AM and that there were no statutory provisions barring minors from attending late-night screenings. Senior counsel S. Niranjan Reddy, representing the multiplex operators, argued that the court's order was issued without consulting all affected parties and exceeded the scope of the original petition, which challenged the state's decision to allow benefit shows and ticket price hikes for certain films.
In light of these submissions, Justice Reddy acknowledged that the previous order might have widespread ramifications across the state and could cause substantial losses to theatres, especially during major film releases. He noted the absence of statutory regulations restricting children's entry into theatres during late-night shows and emphasized the importance of hearing all stakeholders before making such decisions. Consequently, the court modified its earlier order, removing the restriction on minors attending post-11 PM screenings, and directed the state government to expedite the process of formulating appropriate guidelines after consulting all concerned parties.
This case underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding public welfare and ensuring the operational viability of businesses. While the initial restriction aimed to protect minors from potential harm associated with late-night movie screenings, the economic implications for theatre operators necessitated a more nuanced approach. The court's decision to involve all stakeholders in the consultation process reflects a commitment to crafting well-informed policies that consider both public health concerns and the interests of the entertainment industry.
The state government now faces the task of developing comprehensive guidelines that address these concerns. This includes establishing clear regulations on the permissible hours for minors to attend movie screenings and implementing safety measures to prevent incidents like the 'Pushpa 2' stampede. The outcome of this consultative process will be pivotal in setting a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, ensuring that the interests of all parties are adequately represented and protected.
In conclusion, the Telangana High Court's recent decision to lift the ban on minors attending late-night movie screenings highlights the complexities involved in policy-making where public safety and business interests intersect. By advocating for a consultative approach involving all stakeholders, the court aims to facilitate the creation of balanced regulations that uphold the welfare of minors without unduly hindering the operations of the entertainment industry.
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