No Children In Theatres After 11 pm

In a significant move aimed at protecting the health and safety of children, the Telangana High Court has directed the state government to ensure that children under the age of 16 are not permitted to watch movies after 11 PM in theatres. This ruling comes in response to growing concerns regarding the adverse effects late-night shows may have on the physical and mental well-being of minors.

Hyderabad Stampede Case

The court’s decision follows petitions brought before it, specifically addressing the impact of late-night movie screenings on minors. The case gained particular attention after a tragic incident in December 2024, when a stampede during a benefit show of the movie Pushpa -2 at Sandhya Theatre led to the death of a mother and serious injuries to her child. The incident underscored the need for stronger regulations around the entry of minors into late-night shows.

Need For State Government To Consult Relevant Stakeholders

In its ruling, the court emphasized the need for the state government to consult relevant stakeholders and devise appropriate regulations concerning minors’ attendance at late-night screenings. It specifically noted that until the government finalizes a decision, children under the age of 16 must not be allowed to watch films after 11 PM.

The court’s order follows the petition filed by Vijay Gopal, a legal counsel who argued that the late hours of movie screenings posed serious risks to the health and safety of children. He pointed out that many multiplexes run shows until as late as 1:30 AM, with no restrictions currently in place on allowing minors to attend such screenings. This, according to Gopal, contributes to unhealthy sleep patterns and potential physical and psychological harm, particularly in an environment that may be chaotic or poorly managed late at night.

Rising number of incidents in theatres

The court also expressed concern over the rising number of incidents in theatres, where minors are often exposed to unsafe conditions due to overcrowding and the lack of adequate security measures. The tragic stampede incident, which occurred during the highly anticipated Pushpa -2 show, brought the issue to the forefront, as it resulted in a mother losing her life and a child suffering grievous injuries. The case highlighted the urgent need for better regulation and oversight regarding the safety of children in public spaces, particularly during late hours.

The court’s directive calls on the state government to issue instructions to all concerned parties, including theatre owners and multiplex operators, to regulate the entry of minors before 11 AM and after 11 PM. This move is expected to lead to more stringent safety measures for minors attending late-night shows and to foster a more responsible approach to managing the attendance of children in theatres.

As the government begins the process of reviewing and issuing the necessary guidelines, it remains to be seen how this new directive will be implemented across the state. Stakeholders in the film industry, as well as parents and child safety advocates, are expected to closely monitor developments, with many supporting the move to ensure that children’s well-being is prioritized in all public spaces, including cinemas.

Importance of child safety

The Telangana High Court’s directive serves as a timely reminder of the importance of child safety in entertainment settings and the need for regulations that keep children’s health, safety, and development in mind while enjoying popular cultural activities such as watching movies.