The Supreme Court on Multiplex Ticket Prices once again echoed public sentiment as Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta sharply questioned the sky-high rates charged inside multiplexes for tickets and refreshments.
The Bench orally observed that cinema rates must be made reasonable if the industry wishes to survive, cautioning that
“otherwise, the cinema halls will be empty.”
The Bench was hearing petitions filed by the Multiplex Association of India and others challenging the Karnataka High Court’s interim order related to the State’s decision to cap multiplex ticket prices at ₹100.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Multiplex Association, defended the pricing freedom of multiplexes, arguing that it was a matter of consumer choice.
“Even the Taj charges ₹1,000 for a coffee, can that be fixed?”
he contended.
Justice Nath, however, disagreed, remarking,
“You charge ₹100 for a water bottle and ₹700 for coffee… Cinema as it is declining. Make it reasonable for people to come and enjoy; otherwise, cinema halls will be empty.”
When Rohatgi suggested that those unhappy with multiplex prices could visit “normal” theatres, Justice Nath curtly noted, “There are no normal ones left.”
The Court further hinted support for the Karnataka High Court’s interim observation that ₹200 could be a fair ceiling for ticket rates.
Arguments and Bench Observations
Rohatgi also termed the High Court’s directions, such as maintaining auditable ticket records, tracking ticket buyers both online and offline, and verifying reports through a Chartered Accountant, as “unworkable.”
He highlighted that most sales now occur via intermediaries like BookMyShow, making physical verification impossible.
“Who carries an ID card to buy a ticket?” he questioned, criticising the High Court’s directive to collect identity details for cash purchases.
On the other hand, the State Counsel defended the interim measures, stating they were designed to ensure refunds if the government eventually succeeded.
“If your lordship pays ₹1,000 now, and the State wins later, you’ll get ₹800 back,”
he clarified.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan argued that the State lacked statutory power to fix multiplex prices, while V Lakshminarayana, appearing for the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, submitted that the High Court order was a consent order agreed to by all parties.
After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court issued notice and stayed the High Court’s conditions for now.
Case Details
- Case Title: Multiplex Association of India and Anr. vs The Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce and Ors.
- Case Number: SLP(C) No. 31267/2025 and connected cases
- Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
- Court: Supreme Court of India
- Date of Hearing: 3 November 2025
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