The Telangana High Court has issued a crucial directive restricting children below 16 years of age from entering movie theaters or multiplexes after 11 PM. This decision aims to safeguard their physical and emotional well-being by preventing late-night movie attendance.
Key Details of the Court’s Directive
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy passed this order during a hearing on multiple petitions concerning ticket price hikes, benefit shows, and odd-hour screenings. The court also addressed concerns raised by child psychologists and petitioners about the harmful impact of late-night shows on children.
Advocates for the petitioners argued that minors attending late-night shows can experience negative health effects, such as disturbed sleep patterns and increased screen exposure. Supporting these concerns, Justice Reddy observed that allowing children to venture out late at night could harm their mental and physical health.
Guidelines for Theater Management
The court directed the Telangana government and cinema authorities to regulate the entry of children under 16 before 11 AM and after 11 PM. While a final decision is pending, Justice Reddy ordered theaters not to permit children under 16 to watch movies after 11 PM.
The court referred to Licence Condition 12(43) in Form B Licence for Cinematograph Exhibition under the AP Cinema (Regulations) Rules, 1970, which prohibits screenings before 8:40 AM and after 1:30 AM. As most second shows extend beyond midnight, the order effectively bars minors from attending these late screenings.
Focus on Safety and Regulations
This ruling follows a previous court order that restricted benefit shows and odd-hour screenings (between 1 AM and 8 AM) due to safety concerns. The decision came in the aftermath of a stampede at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad in December 2024.
The High Court has asked the Principal Secretary of the Home Department to consult stakeholders and issue comprehensive guidelines to enforce these restrictions. The next hearing is scheduled for February 22, where the court will review further steps.
By prioritizing children’s health and safety, the Telangana High Court has taken a progressive step to regulate late-night movie attendance, ensuring a safer environment for young audiences.
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