In a significant observation highlighting the decline of cinema culture in India, the Supreme Court on Monday (November 3) warned multiplex operators that if they continue to charge exorbitant prices, their theatres could soon be empty. The court remarked while hearing a plea challenging a Karnataka High Court directive requiring multiplexes to maintain a detailed and auditable record for every ticket sold.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stayed the Karnataka High Court’s September 30 order, which had asked multiplexes to keep comprehensive records, including ticket sale data, payment modes, and GST details. The stay will remain in effect until further orders.
“This should be fixed. As it is, cinema is declining. Make it more reasonable for people to come and enjoy. Otherwise, the halls are empty,” the bench remarked, pointing out that “multiplexes charge Rs 100 even for a water bottle.”
The court’s comments came while hearing a plea filed by the Multiplex Association of India and others against the High Court’s order. The apex court has issued notices to the Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce and other respondents, directing them to submit their responses within four weeks.
The Karnataka High Court’s division bench had earlier intervened in an ongoing legal battle over the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which sought to cap movie ticket prices at Rs 200. While a single-judge bench had initially granted an interim stay on the rule on September 23, the division bench later ruled that multiplexes must maintain a transparent and traceable ticketing system until the matter was resolved.
The division bench had further ordered that multiplexes:
1. Maintain digitally traceable receipts for all transactions.
2. Keep a daily cash register countersigned by the manager-in-charge.
3. Include in their records the date, time, mode of booking and payment, total amount collected, and GST details for each ticket.
The Supreme Court, however, put these directions on hold, allowing the single-judge bench to continue proceedings in the underlying case.
While staying the operation of the High Court’s order, the top court signaled its agreement with the principle of affordable entertainment, endorsing the idea that ticket prices should be capped at Rs 200 to make cinema accessible.
“We are with the division bench that it should be Rs 200,” the bench said, reiterating that entertainment should remain within reach of the common man.
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