K’taka HC Stays State Govt’s Order Capping Movie Ticket Prices At Rs 200 For All Theatres

Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the state government’s order capping cinema ticket prices at a uniform rate of Rs 200 across all theatres & multiplexes.

The interim relief came from a single-judge bench headed by Justice Ravi Hosamani.

Govt’s Proposal To Regulate Ticket Prices

In July, the Karnataka government had issued a draft notification to amend the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014. The proposal sought to introduce a ceiling on ticket prices statewide.

As per the draft, cinema tickets in every theatre—including multiplexes and single screens—could not exceed Rs 200 per show. The cap was meant to apply across languages and genres, regardless of the film being screened.

The notification was introduced under the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, by the Home Department. Citing powers under Section 19 of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1964, the draft stated:

“In rule 55, in sub-rule (6), the following proviso shall be inserted… ‘Provided that the cost of the ticket of each show in all theatres of the state, including multiplexes, for all language films shall not exceed Rs. 200 inclusive of entertainment tax.’”

Key Amendments Proposed

Apart from fixing a maximum ticket price, the draft rules also proposed striking down Rule 146 from the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 2014. The notification read:

“In the said rules, rule 146 and the entries relating thereto shall be omitted.”

This amendment aimed at reshaping the regulatory framework governing cinema exhibition in the state.

Court Intervention

The government’s move faced legal challenges, with theatre owners and stakeholders arguing that a uniform ticket pricing system was not viable given differences in operational costs between multiplexes and single-screen theatres. Considering these arguments, Justice Hosamani’s bench granted a stay on the order until further hearing.

The stay means cinema operators are not bound by the Rs 200 cap for now, and regular pricing structures will continue.

Mysuru Dasara Inauguration

Meanwhile, on September 22, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the Mysuru Dasara 2025 festivities along with dignitaries, including Booker Prize winner Bhanu Mustaq. The inaugural ceremony involved offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari on a silver chariot.