The Telangana High Court has banned minors under 16 from attending late-night movie shows after 11 PM until the government establishes regulations. This decision addresses concerns about children’s safety and well-being, especially following a tragic incident during a film screening. The court urged the government to consult stakeholders for appropriate guidelines.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has issued a directive prohibiting children below the age of 16 from attending late-night movie shows after 11 PM in theatres and multiplexes until the state government makes a formal decision on the matter. This decision aims to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of minors, addressing concerns raised in connection with late-night screenings.
The court emphasized that children under 16 years of age should not be allowed to watch late-night shows, particularly those ending after 11 PM. It instructed the state government to consult relevant stakeholders and issue appropriate regulations for controlling minors’ entry into theatres and multiplexes during the late-night hours.
The directive, issued on Monday, stated,
“Till such decision is taken, the respondents shall not allow children below 16 years to watch movies after 11 PM.”
Also Read: Star Channels and Disney+ Hotstar Targets Illegal Streaming Sites: Delhi High Court Takes Action
The court also suggested regulating minors’ entry to theatres during early morning shows, before 11 AM, to ensure their well-being.
The matter came to the court’s attention during a hearing related to enhanced ticket pricing for the Ram Charan-starrer Game Changer and other films. Advocate Vijay Gopal, representing the petitioner, raised concerns about the negative impact of late-night movie screenings on minors.
He pointed out that many multiplexes host late-night shows running until 1:30 AM, with no restrictions on minors’ entry. Such unrestricted access could potentially harm children’s physical and mental health, necessitating urgent action from authorities.
The issue gained urgency following a tragic stampede during the benefit show of Pushpa 2 in December last year at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad. The incident led to the death of a mother and serious injuries to her minor son. Vijay Gopal argued that such incidents underline the importance of regulating minors’ entry to theatres, especially during late-night hours.
Also Read: Bombay High Court Instructs Netflix for Screening of Web Series on Indrani Mukerjea Only for CBI
The court has tasked the state government with consulting stakeholders and issuing clear guidelines to regulate theatre access for minors. Until such regulations are finalized, the ban on children below 16 watching movies after 11 PM will remain in effect.
This decision is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of minors. By restricting late-night theatre access, the court seeks to mitigate risks to children and prevent potential mishaps like the Pushpa 2 tragedy.
Parents and stakeholders are now looking forward to the government’s response and the implementation of long-term measures that prioritize child safety in entertainment venues.
Case Title – Satish Kamaal v. The State of Telangana
Read the Judgement here:
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE