Karnataka multiplexes: SC stays record-keeping rule as ticket price debate continues

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has temporarily stayed a Karnataka High Court directive requiring multiplexes to maintain detailed, auditable records for every ticket sold. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, granted interim relief as the broader legal dispute over the state’s ₹200 ticket price cap continues.

The controversy stems from the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which introduced a maximum ticket price of ₹200 for cinema halls across the state. While a single-judge bench of the High Court initially stayed the price cap, a subsequent division bench directed multiplexes to maintain comprehensive transaction records, including sale dates, payment modes, GST details, and other data, to ensure accountability during the interim period.

Represented by the Multiplex Association of India, cinema operators argued that the directive was impractical, citing the predominance of online ticket sales and the operational challenges of verifying cash transactions. They further warned that such extensive record-keeping requirements could disrupt routine business operations.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also acknowledged public concerns over the rising cost of cinema tickets and snacks. The judges noted the disparity between pricing and affordability, observing that “at ₹100 for a water bottle and ₹700 for a ticket, the halls may soon be empty,” stressing the need for a balance between commercial sustainability and public accessibility.

With the stay in effect, the High Court’s record-keeping order remains suspended, while the ₹200 ticket price ceiling issue is yet to be resolved. The single-judge bench of the High Court may continue hearing the matter independently.

The case highlights the continuing challenge of balancing consumer affordability with business viability in India’s multiplex sector. Industry stakeholders and moviegoers alike are awaiting the Supreme Court’s next directions, which are expected to clarify the enforceability of the price cap and its implications for cinema operators across the state.