Telangana High Court Bans Minors from Late-Night Movie Shows

Telangana High Court Bans Minors from Late-Night Movie Shows

In a significant ruling aimed at protecting the well-being of minors, the Telangana High Court has issued a directive prohibiting children below the age of 16 from watching movies in theatres and multiplexes after 11 PM. This decision comes in response to concerns raised about the impact of late-night movie shows on the physical and mental health of children.

The court, presided over by Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, was hearing a batch of petitions related to movie ticket prices and the regulation of benefit shows. The petitions highlighted the lack of restrictions on minors attending late-night shows, which could potentially harm their health and safety.

Key Takeaways

• The Telangana High Court has ordered that children below 16 years of age should not be allowed to watch movies in theatres and multiplexes after 11 PM until further regulations are put in place.
• The court directed the state government to consult all stakeholders, including child psychologists, to create guidelines for regulating the entry of children into theatres during early morning and late-night hours.
• The decision was influenced by a recent incident during the screening of “Pushpa-2,” where a stampede resulted in the death of a woman and serious injuries to her son, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures.
• The court emphasized the importance of considering public safety and health, particularly in the context of benefit shows and midnight screenings.
• The state government has been instructed to issue necessary instructions to all concerned parties to enforce this ban until a final decision is made.

Background and Rationale

The court’s decision is a response to the growing concerns about the welfare of children attending movie shows at late hours. Counsel for the petitioners argued that allowing minors to watch movies during late-night shows could have adverse effects on their physical and mental health. The lack of existing regulations on this matter was also a key point of contention.

The recent incident during the screening of “Pushpa-2,” where a stampede led to a tragic loss of life and injuries, further underscored the need for immediate action. The court noted that multiplexes often run shows until as late as 1:30 AM, with no proper restrictions in place for minors.

Implementation and Future Steps

The Telangana High Court has instructed the state government to consult with all necessary stakeholders, including child psychologists, to formulate guidelines for regulating the entry of children into theatres. Until these guidelines are in place, the court has ordered that children below 16 years of age should not be allowed to watch movies after 11 PM.

The government has been directed to issue instructions to all concerned parties, including theatre owners and regulatory bodies, to enforce this ban. The court’s order is interim, pending a final decision on the matter, which will be made after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

Public and Industry Reaction

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for both the public and the entertainment industry. While it aims to protect the well-being of children, it may also impact the operational hours and revenue of theatres and multiplexes. The industry will need to adapt to these new regulations, potentially leading to changes in show timings and audience demographics.

As the state government begins to consult with stakeholders and formulate guidelines, the focus will be on striking a balance between ensuring children’s safety and accommodating the needs of the entertainment industry. The court’s decision marks a crucial step towards prioritizing the health and safety of minors in public entertainment venues.