**Karnataka HC Extends Stay on ₹200 Movie Ticket Price Cap**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 4, 2025 | 4:37 PM*
The Karnataka High Court has extended its stay on the state government’s proposed ₹200 price cap for multiplex movie tickets. This stay, initially granted on September 23, comes with additional directives aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness.
### Background
The Multiplex Association of India filed a petition challenging the price cap, arguing that it would negatively impact their business operations. In response, the High Court not only extended the stay but also issued new instructions to multiplexes regarding ticket sales and record-keeping.
### New Directives for Multiplexes
The court has mandated that multiplexes maintain detailed records for every ticket sold. These records must include:
– Date and time of sale
– Booking method (online or at counter)
– Payment mode (credit/debit card, UPI, net banking, or cash)
– Amount collected and GST components
Furthermore, all cash transactions must be digitally traceable. Cash registers are required to be countersigned daily by the multiplex manager to ensure accountability.
### Refund Process
In the event the petitioners succeed in the final judgment, multiplexes will be obligated to refund all electronically collected amounts (excluding GST) from the period during which this writ petition is pending. Refunds must be processed using the same payment method customers used when booking their tickets.
Multiplexes have been given 45 days to submit a detailed refund plan to the licensing authority for approval.
### Public Advisory
The court has also advised moviegoers to retain their tickets—whether physical or electronic—for all current screenings priced under this cap. This is to safeguard the interests of customers, the state, and multiplexes, ensuring any excess charges are properly refunded.
### Film Performance Highlight
The extension of the stay order coincides with the continued box office success of Rishab Shetty’s *Kantara Chapter 1*. The film recorded an 82% occupancy rate for its Kannada shows on Friday, with night shows in Bengaluru and Hubli experiencing full attendance. According to Sacnilk, *Kantara Chapter 1* earned a remarkable ₹129.5 crore on its opening day.
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These guidelines and court directives aim to balance the interests of multiplex operators, the state government, and moviegoers amid evolving ticket pricing regulations.
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