Telangana HC quashes memo on cinema ticket hike for The Raja Saab

The Telangana High Court has struck down a government memo permitting increased cinema ticket prices for the Sankranti release of The Raja Saab. Justice NV Shravan Kumar ruled that the Home department lacked statutory authority to approve such hikes, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Police and district collectors.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice NV Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Friday set aside a State Government memo that permitted an increase in cinema ticket prices for the release of The Raja Saab, delivering a setback to the film’s producers.

---

The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Vijay Gopal, who questioned the legality of the memo issued by the Home Department.

The petitioner contended that the Home Secretary had no statutory authority to approve a hike in ticket prices or grant permission for benefit shows. He argued that such powers are vested exclusively with the Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad and the respective district collectors in other districts.

Accepting the submissions, the court struck down the memo and strongly criticised the State administration for repeatedly issuing what it described as “clever memos” to bypass established legal provisions. The Judge expressed concern over the recurring nature of such actions, despite earlier orders.

The court also pointed out inconsistencies in the government’s stand, noting that even as a minister had publicly stated that there would be no ticket price hike, officials proceeded to issue an order permitting the same. Questioning the approach of the administration, the court asked why such practices continued despite clear rules and repeated warnings, and whether the officer concerned was unaware of the governing law.

The issue arose after the government, through a late-night order on Thursday, permitted a temporary hike in ticket prices for the film’s Sankranti release.

The now-quashed memo had allowed an increase of Rs 105 in single-screen theatres and Rs 132 in multiplexes from January 9 to 11, followed by a reduced hike of Rs 62 and Rs 89, respectively, from January 12 to 18.

The memo had also directed that 20% of the additional revenue generated be shared with the Film Federation. With the memo being set aside, the court made it clear that any revision of ticket prices must strictly conform to statutory provisions and the authorities designated under law.