Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court issued clear directions on cinema ticket price hike orders, instructing the state Home Department to issue such permissions at least 90 days in advance.
The court said advance notice was necessary to ensure transparency and prevent last-minute decisions. It warned the government against issuing sudden orders that affect the public and stakeholders.
The directions came during a hearing on ticket price hikes linked to the film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. Advocate Vijay Gopal challenged the Home Department’s order allowing higher ticket prices for the movie.
During arguments, the petitioner told the court that hearings on ticket prices for Raja Saab took place on the 9th of the month. However, the government issued the ticket hike order for Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu a day earlier, on the 8th.
He alleged that the government pleader did not place this order before the court during the hearing. The court took serious note of the lapse.
High Court seeks explanation on ticket hike order
Taking a stern view, the High Court initiated contempt proceedings against the Special Chief Secretary of the Home Department. It directed the government pleader to file a counter explaining the omission.
The court said such failures could mislead judicial proceedings. It stressed that officers must maintain full disclosure during hearings.
The High Court later adjourned the matter for further hearing. It reiterated that all future cinema ticket price hike orders must follow the 90-day advance rule.