The Karnataka High Court has stayed, until further orders, the implementation of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which capped movie ticket prices at ₹200.
The interim relief was granted by Justice Ravi V Hosmani on a plea filed by the Multiplex Association of India and other stakeholders.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Association, argued that the amendment notification—framed under the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act—was arbitrary. He pointed out that the amendment introduced a proviso that unfairly restricts cinema operators.
The petitioners contended that the cap on ticket prices could significantly impact the industry’s revenue, especially multiplexes, which rely on flexible pricing to balance operational costs.
With the High Court’s stay, the amended rule will not be enforced until further directions are issued. The case will now be heard in detail in the coming weeks.
