Telangana HC raps Govt over cinema ticket hike for Ram Charan’s Peddi movie

The Telangana High Court has pulled up the State Government for permitting a hike in cinema ticket prices for Ram Charan’s film Peddi, observing that the Home Department’s memo appeared to violate governing rules and earlier judicial directions.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court expressed serious displeasure over the State Government’s decision permitting enhancement of cinema ticket prices for the recently released film ‘Peddi’, starring Mega Power Star Ram Charan, and observed that the procedure adopted by the Home Department appeared to be contrary to the governing rules and earlier directions of the Court.

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The observations came while hearing a contempt petition filed against the Principal Secretary, Home Department, Shikha Goel, alleging wilful disobedience of judicial directions governing the regulation of cinema ticket prices in the State.

According to the petitioner, the Home Department had issued a special memo dated June 2, 2026, permitting enhancement of ticket prices for a period of ten days from the release of the film on June 4.

The memo allowed an additional increase of Rs. 100 per ticket in single-screen theatres and Rs. 125 per ticket in multiplexes. The petitioner contended that the permission was granted in complete disregard of the procedure prescribed under the applicable Government Orders and in violation of earlier directions issued by the High Court regarding transparency and regulation of cinema ticket pricing.

During the course of hearing, the Court observed that any revision or enhancement of cinema ticket prices must strictly conform to the procedure contemplated under G.O. Ms. No. 121 and cannot be effected through executive memos issued in disregard of statutory requirements and judicial pronouncements.

The Court further remarked that the process relating to fixation or enhancement of cinema ticket prices must remain transparent and in accordance with the governing legal framework. Prima facie, the Court found fault with the issuance of the impugned memo and observed that executive authorities cannot bypass established procedures while granting such permissions.

Taking note of the submissions made by the petitioner, the Court adjourned the matter for further hearing to June 15.