Akhanda 2 premiere shows: Telangana HC issues contempt notices to CV Anand, BookMyShow CEO

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday pulled up the State government and BookMyShow for broadcasting Akhanda 2 premiere shows despite its earlier order suspending permissions for special screenings.

The court issued contempt of court notices to Home Department Secretary CV Anand and BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani for defying its directives.

Court acts against alleged violation

During the hearing, the bench noted that premiere shows of Akhanda 2 were held even after it had issued an interim suspension of all permissions related to such screenings. The petition was argued by Advocate Vijay Gopal.

Taking a stern view of the apparent disregard for its order, the court directed that contempt notices be served on both the senior official and the platform head.

Judicial displeasure over non-compliance

The High Court observed that continuing the shows in defiance of its explicit directions amounted to a serious breach of judicial authority. It is remarked that such violations undermine the sanctity of court orders and cannot be overlooked.

Why was permission suspended for Akhanda 2?

The controversy began after a petition challenged the government’s approval for special premiere shows of Akhanda 2. The petitioners argued that allowing additional, late-night screenings violated existing regulations and caused public inconvenience.

Following the objections raised, the High Court had passed an interim order suspending the permissions for premiere shows until a detailed review could be completed.

However, reports indicated that the screenings went ahead despite the suspension, leading the court to initiate contempt proceedings.

What happens next?

The High Court has posted the matter for its next hearing in two weeks.

Both CV Anand and BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani have been asked to file their responses to the contempt notices before the upcoming hearing.