Telangana High Court raps govt for permitting ‘Game Changer’ special shows

Stating the government to reconsider its decision, Justice Reddy said that if State fails to act, the court will be forced to pass prohibitory orders against the special shows

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday criticised the State government for taking a ‘U-turn’ in permitting special shows and enhancing ticket rates for Ram Charan-starrer Game Changer.

Stating the government to reconsider its decision, Justice Reddy said if it fails to act, the court will be forced to pass prohibitory orders against the special shows.

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The judge questioned under which provision of law the price was enhanced by Rs 100 for multiplexes and Rs 50 for standalone theatres. The judge issued specific directions to the Special Secretary, Home Department, to review and reconsider the memo issued for Game Changer.

Further, it directed not to permit any special shows in future without considering public interest, health and safety.

Recollecting the unfortunate stampede at Sandhya theatre during the premiere of Pushpa 2, the judge questioned the government pleader and said, “You said you will not permit special shows after Pushpa 2, what happened? Tomorrow they will want to screen for 24 hours, will you allow it? Whatever name you may give permitting a show at 4 am, it is a benefit show.”

“People should sleep at 4 am not go to the movies,” the judge remarked. “We are not in New York City that never sleeps, people should sleep at an appropriate time, if not something is wrong. Economic development does not mean working at night, it means economic peace,” the judge further said.

The judge was dealing with separate writ pleas filed by one Satish Kamal and Bharat Raj, challenging the memo issued by the Home Department permitting special shows and a hike in ticket prices.

The petitioners contended that the memo was contrary to the Cinema Regulation Act and Rules and the GO 120. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had himself stated on the floor of the Assembly that there shall be no special shows or price hikes, the petitioners pointed out. Further, they emphasised that the Special Secretary, Home Department, did not have the authority to issue the order.

The judge wanted the Advocate General to respond on the legal aspect as to why the Special Secretary had issued the memo when the appropriate authority is the Chief Secretary of the government.

During the course of the hearing, Justice Reddy commented that parents were taking children to theatres at 1 am. Stating that, “I am only concerned about the Constitution and the right to life”, the judge orally suggested that the parents should ensure their children do not go to midnight shows.

He said, until 16 years of age, children should no got to movie theatres after 12 am as they would end up returning home around 2 am. The judge opined that midnight shows should not be permitted and directed the State government to take necessary steps to stop such shows in theatres, failing which he warned of passing an order to this effect.

The judge adjourned the case to January 24 for further hearing and directed the government to follow the specific directives issued by the court.