The Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the state government’s decision to cap movie ticket prices at ₹200. This ruling means the mandated price ceiling will not be enforced until the court conducts further hearings and reaches a final decision on the matter. The state government had implemented the cap through an amendment to the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014, citing public interest and the need to ensure affordable access to cinema, arguing it was within its constitutional powers to regulate entertainment. Conversely, petitioners challenged the cap, contending it was arbitrary, exceeded legislative authority, and violated their fundamental right to conduct business under Article 19(1)(g), further arguing it failed to distinguish between different cinema formats.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com