The Supreme Court on Monday paused the Karnataka High Court’s order that had asked multiplexes to keep a detailed and auditable record of every movie ticket sold.
The High Court’s division bench had issued this direction on September 30 while hearing a case against a single judge’s order. The single judge had earlier put an interim stay on the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which aimed to cap movie ticket prices at Rs 200.
A plea challenging the division bench’s order came up before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on Monday.
Bench’s observations on cinema prices
“This should be fixed,” the bench said, noting that multiplexes were charging Rs 100 for a water bottle.
“As it is, the cinema is declining. Make it more reasonable for people to come and enjoy. Otherwise, the halls are empty,” the bench added. It also said, “We are with the division bench that it should be Rs 200.”
The Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea filed by the Multiplex Association of India and others. It also issued notices to the Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce and other parties, asking them to reply within four weeks, according to a report by news agency PTI.
“In the meantime, the effect and operation of the impugned order shall remain stayed,” the bench said.
The court added that it was open for the single judge to continue hearing the case.
High Court’s earlier orders
Earlier, on September 23, the single judge had granted an interim stay on the rules that capped cinema ticket prices at Rs 200. Later, when the matter went to the division bench, it said an interim arrangement was needed to protect everyone’s financial interests until a final decision was made.
The division bench then directed multiplexes to keep detailed, auditable records for every ticket sold, including the date and time of sale, booking mode, payment method, total amount, and GST.
It also said, “Digitally traceable receipts must be issued for all cash transactions, and daily cash registers must be countersigned by the manager-in-charge of the multiplex.”
The bench further ordered that for cash ticket sales, multiplexes must give numbered, time-stamped receipts to customers.
The High Court had scheduled the next hearing for November 25.