The Telangana High Court recently implemented a significant directive aimed at regulating the entry of children into theaters and multiplexes during late-night hours. This decision, part of ongoing efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of children, was issued in the context of various petitions addressing broader issues such as ticket price hikes and safety concerns in cinemas.
Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, presiding over the matter, directed the Telangana State Government to prohibit children under the age of 16 from attending movie shows post-11 PM. The court emphasized,
"Children below 16 years should not be permitted to watch late-night movie shows in theaters and multiplexes after 11 PM."
This directive will remain in effect until the government consults stakeholders and formulates comprehensive regulations. The court also urged the authorities to issue instructions to enforce this restriction promptly.
Concerns Raised in Court
The petition, filed by Advocate Vijay Gopal and others, highlighted critical safety and ethical concerns:
- Impact on Mental and Physical Health: Late-night shows can disrupt the sleep and overall well-being of children.
- Lack of Regulations: The absence of restrictions on minors attending late-night shows was alarming, especially given that some multiplexes schedule shows as late as 1:30 AM.
- Tragic Incidents: The tragic stampede during the benefit show of the movie Pushpa-2 at Sandhya Theatre resulted in grievous injuries to a minor and the death of his mother. Such incidents underline the need for stringent safety measures.
The petitioners also sought a ban on movie screenings between 1:30 AM and 8:40 AM to ensure public safety.
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Advocate Vijay Gopal, representing the petitioners, remarked,
"The government should have taken a proactive approach to regulate the entry of minors into theaters, especially in light of the unfortunate incidents that have occurred."
The court urged the government to prioritize public interest, health, and safety when considering any future decisions regarding movie show timings. Authorities were also instructed to work collaboratively with stakeholders to establish clear guidelines that ensure the protection of children and prevent overcrowding in theaters.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 22, 2025, to review the progress made by the State in implementing these directives. Advocates Sultana Basha, Vijay Gopal, Mahesh Mamidala, and P Srinivas Reddy represented the petitioners in this matter, while Advocate Mahesh Raje appeared on behalf of the State.
