Karnataka HC Puts Hold on Govt’s ₹200 Cinema Ticket Ceiling
The Karnataka High Court has put a temporary halt on the State government’s decision to fix the maximum price of cinema tickets at ₹200.
Justice Ravi V Hosmani passed the interim order after hearing petitions filed by multiplex owners, movie producers, and a PVR INOX shareholder, who argued that the government’s move was unfair and arbitrary.
The challenge is against the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which mandated that all theatres, including multiplexes, cannot charge more than ₹200 for tickets.
Petitioners, including the Multiplex Association of India and Hombale Films, contended that applying a blanket price cap to both single screens and multiplexes was unreasonable. They argued that multiplexes face higher operating costs, advanced technology expenses, and offer premium formats like IMAX or 4DX, which justify higher ticket prices.
They also pointed out that OTT platforms and satellite TV remain free from such restrictions, making the cap discriminatory. Further, the exemption granted to “multi-screen cinemas with premium facilities of 75 seats or less” was criticised as vague, with no clear definition of “premium facilities.”
Senior Advocate Udaya Holla, representing the Multiplex Association, submitted that consumers who want premium cinema experiences should have the option to pay more. Restricting ticket pricing, he argued, hurts theatre owners’ right to do business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, appearing for Hombale Films, stressed that the law under which the amendment was made only covers licensing and construction of cinema halls, not pricing. Producers, he said, rely heavily on ticket pricing to recover investments, and arbitrary limits would harm the industry.
Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi, DR Ravishankar and Vikram Huilgol also appeared for the petitioners.
The State, represented by Additional Advocate General Ismail Zabiulla, defended its decision, claiming it was in public interest and within its constitutional powers. It said the cap aimed to balance the interests of the film fraternity and consumers. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) also sought to intervene, opposing any relief to theatre owners.
The High Court will examine the matter further, but for now, the ticket price cap will not apply.
