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Supreme Court Halts Karnataka's Strict Multiplex Ticket Rules
4 Nov
Summary
- Supreme Court stays Karnataka High Court's order on detailed ticket sales
- Multiplex owners argued the directive was operationally impractical
- Concerns raised over excessive pricing discouraging theater attendance
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has stepped in to temporarily stay a Karnataka High Court order that required multiplexes to maintain detailed, auditable records of every ticket sold. This ruling has been welcomed by cinema operators, who had argued that the directive was operationally impractical and burdensome.
The Supreme Court's interim order, passed on November 3, 2025, came as a major relief to multiplex owners across Karnataka. They had contended that the high court's directive would be difficult to implement, especially given the dominance of online bookings and automated platforms that already maintain digital transaction trails.
While granting the stay, the Supreme Court also noted concerns from the audience's perspective. The bench observed that excessive pricing inside theaters could discourage viewership, remarking, "At Rs 100 for a water bottle and Rs 700 for a ticket, the halls may soon be empty."
