HC Quashes Ticket Price Hike For Prabhas' Raja Saab

Expressing displeasure over the practice of hiking ticket prices for new big-budget films, the Telangana High Court today struck down a memo issued by the State government authorising an increase in cinema ticket rates for the film "The Raja Saab".

The memo had approved an increase of Rs 105 for single screens and Rs 132 for multiplexes between January 9 and 11, and a reduced hike of Rs 62 and Rs 89 respectively from January 12 to 18.

The court passed the order while hearing a petition filed by advocate Vijay Gopal, who challenged the ticket price hike for the movie.

The petitioner argued that permissions were being granted in violation of existing rules whenever big-budget films were released.

He contended that the Home Department Secretary had no authority to issue memos permitting ticket price hikes or benefit shows, and that such powers rested solely with district Collectors and the Hyderabad Police Commissioner.

Taking serious note of the issue, the High Court asked the government pleader why such memos were being "cleverly issued" during major film releases.

The court observed that despite repeated warnings, the government's approach had not changed. "Even the concerned minister recently stated that ticket prices would not be increased. Yet permissions are repeatedly granted. Is the officer issuing the memo unaware of the rules? Twenty years ago, Hyderabad had a uniform ticket price. Now prices rise every time, burdening the public. We too go to the movies; we know the ticket prices," the judge said, expressing strong displeasure.