Ktka HC stays order to cap movie ticket price at Rs 200

Karnataka: In a setback to the movie buffs, the Karnataka High Court has suspended the operation of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules 2025, which capped movie ticket prices at Rs 200 across the state.

Justice Ravi V Hosmani passed the stay order on Tuesday in a batch of petitions filed by the Multiplex Association of India and others, after concluding hearing on the interim prayer last week.

The association and others challenged the September 12, 2025, notification, giving effect to the amended Rules, contending that the proviso to Rule 55 (6) is ultra vires the Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Act.

They also claimed it violates Articles 14, 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution, besides being unreasonable and manifestly arbitrary.

The petitioners claimed that a similar government order issued in April 2017, which capped the price at Rs 200, was challenged before the High Court, and it was withdrawn later.

According to the petitioners, there is no power under the Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Act to fix a price, and it does not contemplate ticket price capping.

Their plea further claimed that the multiplexes have spent huge sums of money on creating cinema halls and that the amendment directly restricts cinema owners’ right to conduct business.

Another petitioner, Hombale Films LLP, stated that a proviso is introduced to Rule 55 (6), whereas Rule 55 is in respect of ticket booths and has nothing to do with price fixation.

The film production company said that the decision has been taken without any study. It was also submitted that the price of the ticket is a contract between the exhibitor and the movie-goer, and the price can vary from one theatre to another.

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