`Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu': Telangana HC dismisses appeal against single judge order on movie ticket price hike

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with a single judge’s order on the ticket price hike related to Chiranjeevi-starrer Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu.

The movie was released during Sankranti 2026.

A division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin dismissed the writ appeal filed by the film’s producer, Shine Screens India LLP, and upheld the directions issued earlier by the Single Judge.

Background of the case

The controversy arose after the Special Commissioner to the Government, Home Department, enhanced ticket prices for the film through a memorandum dated January 8, 2026.

The move came despite subsisting restraint orders of the High Court, prompting the Court earlier to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings against the official concerned.

The ticket price hike was subsequently challenged before the High Court through a writ petition.

Single Judge’s Directions

While hearing Writ Petition No. 1518 of 2026, Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar laid down clear procedural safeguards governing movie ticket price enhancement.

The Single Judge ruled that:

Any decision to hike movie ticket prices must be taken at least 90 days before the release of the film; and

Such a decision must be placed in the public domain to enable stakeholders to raise objections or seek remedies under Section 7A of the Telangana Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955.

These directions were aimed at ensuring transparency, public participation, and adherence to statutory requirements.

Challenge before Division Bench

Aggrieved by the 90-day notice requirement and public disclosure mandate, Shine Screens India LLP filed Writ Appeal No. 100 of 2026 before the Division Bench, seeking to set aside that portion of the Single Judge’s order.

Court’s Observations

The Division Bench refused to interfere, holding that the Single Judge’s directions were well-reasoned and fully aligned with the statutory framework and principles of natural justice.

The Bench observed that the procedure prescribed by the Single Judge strengthens transparency in the decision-making process and protects the rights of all stakeholders affected by ticket price revisions.

The petitioner was granted liberty to approach the Single Judge for any further relief, reaffirming the hierarchical judicial process.

Outcome

The writ appeal was disposed of without any modification to the Single Judge’s order.

Significance of the Ruling

The judgment reinforces that enhancement of cinema ticket prices cannot be done arbitrarily and must strictly follow due process under the Telangana Cinemas Regulation Act.

By mandating advance notice and public disclosure, the Court ensured that regulatory decisions remain transparent, participatory, and legally compliant.

The ruling also serves as a caution to administrative authorities on the necessity of adhering to court orders, underscoring the consequences of acting in violation of judicial restraints.