In a setback to the state government, its order capping multiplex ticket price at Rs 200 was stayed by the vacation bench of the Karnataka High Court, stating the price cannot be regulated on weekends and public holidays.

Justice P S Dinesh Kumar passed an ad-interim order staying the government order for three weeks till the next date of hearing. Till then, price cap will not be applicable on Saturdays, Sundays and state public holidays.

FICCI Multiplex Association of India had approached the court seeking quashing of the government order on the grounds that the state government does not have the authority to regulate multiplex ticket prices.
The petitioner contended that the order is against the provisions of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act,1964. The petitioner said that multiplex tickets cannot be sold on a par with single screen tickets and if the order is implemented, it would cause huge losses to the multiplex owners.

The judge stayed the government order and ordered notice to the state government and the Department of Information and Kannada Culture.

The government issued the order capping multiplex ticket price on May 2 and it was implemented with effect from May 5.