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Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court has suspended the State government’s memo allowing increased ticket prices for Pawan Kalyan’s film OG, including Rs. 800 for premiere shows. The Court also directed police to ensure that minors are barred from viewing the ‘A’ certified film.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday issued an interim order suspending the State government’s memo increasing ticket prices for actor-turned politician Pawan Kalyan‘s latest movie, And.

The Court also made it clear that since the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, children below 18 years must not be allowed into theatres, and directed the police to ensure strict compliance.

The order came on a writ petition filed by Barla Mallesh Yadav, an advocate, who challenged the September 19 memo issued by the Principal Secretary, Home Department, permitting ticket prices to be raised, including Rs. 800 for premiere shows.

The petitioner argued that the memo was illegal and arbitrary, pointing out that the State had earlier issued GO 120 of 2021, fixing ticket prices across Telangana, and that a Division Bench of the High Court had already upheld those limits.

Counsel for the petitioner also contended that, under the Andhra Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, the Home Department had no authority to revise cinema ticket rates.

In Hyderabad, such powers lie with the Police Commissioner, and in districts, with the District Collectors. He further urged that, since the CBFC granted only an ‘A’ certificate, permitting entry to minors would be a violation of law, and sought directions to restrict access accordingly.

Opposing the plea, the government counsel argued that the petitioner had approached the Court directly without exhausting remedies under the law. He maintained that the order increasing ticket prices could not be challenged through a writ petition in the first instance.

After hearing both sides, Justice Shravan Kumar suspended the memo permitting the ticket hike for all shows, including the special premiere and screenings scheduled until October 4.

The Court further directed the police to initiate action against theatres selling tickets to persons below 18 years, stressing that the film’s certification had to be enforced in letter and spirit.

The matter has been adjourned to October 9 for the next hearing.