Hyderabad: In a temporary relief for multiplexes, the Telangana High Court has put on hold the order banning children below 16 from attending late-night shows, stating that a decision should be made after consultation.
This comes after multiplex owners reported losses. The court has directed the government to consult stakeholders before making a final decision.
After the death of a woman and the hospitalisation of her child, after a stampede during the late night Puspha 2 premiere, the restrictions were placed prohibiting children under 16 from attending special movie screenings before 11 am and after 11 pm.
However, the Multiplex Association of India has petitioned the Telangana High Court in the matter.
The order of the restrictions was put in place following a previous petition filed by a vegetable trader from Hyderabad on January 10, which questioned the legality of shows scheduled between 4 am and 6 am. The High Court expressed concerns about late-night screenings potentially harming children’s health and implemented measures to prevent minors from entering theaters after 11 pm.
The court directed the Telangana government to consult with various stakeholders, including health experts and child welfare authorities, to establish comprehensive guidelines regulating children’s access to multiplexes during late hours.
The court’s earlier order mandated that until these regulations are formalized, no child under 16 years shall be permitted to watch movies after 11 pm. This interim measure aimed to protect minors while allowing time for the government to develop more permanent solutions. However, part of the order has now been put on hold.
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