New Delhi: In a significant move to ensure public safety and safeguard the health of minors, the Telangana High Court has directed the state government to enforce stricter regulations on the timing of movie screenings and the entry of children under 16 years in theatres during late-night hours.
The court’s order comes in the wake of a tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre during a benefit show of the film Pushpa 2. The incident led to severe injuries to a minor and the death of his mother, highlighting concerns over overcrowding and safety during late-night shows.
At the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the state’s licensing rules, specifically Condition 12(43) of the A.P. Cinema (Regulation) Rules, 1970, prohibit screenings before 8.40 am or after 1.30 am. However, late-night shows in multiplexes often extend past 1.30 am, allowing minors access to screenings during these hours without restrictions.
The petitioners expressed concern that such late-night screenings have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of children, especially when they are allowed entry without any specific regulations in place.
The court, after reviewing the submissions and the gravity of the issue, ruled that children under age of 16 should not be allowed to attend movie shows after 11 pm. The ruling emphasised that the government must consult with relevant stakeholders to draft a more comprehensive policy to regulate such shows and ensure the well-being of minors.
In addition, the court directed that the government immediately halt the practice of allowing children under age of 16 to watch films after 11 pm, until a proper regulatory framework is established. The decision underscores the increasing scrutiny of late-night entertainment activities, particularly concerning the safety and welfare of children.
The case will be revisited on 21 February, 2025, for further developments, as the government works to implement the new guidelines.
This ruling marks a crucial step toward balancing the entertainment needs of the public with the paramount concern of public safety, particularly in the context of cinema screenings.