Telangana HC Bans Late-Night Movies for Minors: New Regulations on the Horizon

Telangana HC Bans Late-Night Movies for Minors: New Regulations on the Horizon

In a significant move to protect the well-being of minors, the Telangana High Court has issued a directive prohibiting children under the age of 16 from watching movies in theatres or multiplexes after 11 PM. This decision comes in the wake of concerns raised about the safety and health impacts of late-night movie screenings on children.

The court’s ruling was influenced by recent incidents, including a tragic stampede during the premiere of the film “Pushpa 2: The Rule” in Hyderabad, which resulted in the death of a woman and serious injuries to her son. This incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of minors at movie screenings.

Key Takeaways

• The Telangana High Court has ordered that children under 16 years old are not allowed to watch movies in theatres after 11 PM and before 11 AM.
• The decision is based on concerns about the negative impact of late-night screen use and movie attendance on the physical and mental health of minors.
• The court has instructed the state government to consult with relevant stakeholders to establish regulations for the entry of children into theatres during these hours.
• The ruling follows a recent stampede incident during a movie premiere that raised serious safety concerns.
• The next hearing on this matter has been scheduled for February 22.

Background and Context

The Telangana High Court, under Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, heard several petitions related to movie ticket prices and the approval of special shows, including those for the films “Pushpa 2: The Rule” and “Game Changer.” During these hearings, the court expressed concerns about the safety and health implications of allowing children to attend late-night and early-morning movie shows.

The court noted that multiplexes often run shows until as late as 1:30 AM, with no existing restrictions on the entry of minors during these hours. This lack of regulation was seen as a significant risk factor, given the potential for overcrowding and chaotic situations, as evidenced by the recent stampede incident.

Impact and Implementation

The new regulations aim to safeguard the health and safety of children by restricting their access to movie screenings during late hours. The court has mandated that until a final decision is made, theatres must not allow children under 16 to watch movies after 11 PM or before 11 AM.

The state government has been directed to consult with all relevant stakeholders, including child psychologists and theatre management, to formulate comprehensive regulations. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that the new rules are effective and feasible for implementation.

Future Actions

The Telangana High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 22 to review the progress made by the state government in establishing these regulations. Until then, theatres are required to adhere to the interim order, denying entry to children under 16 during the restricted hours.

This move is seen as a step towards enhancing public safety and protecting the well-being of minors, and it may set a precedent for similar regulations in other regions.