Telangana High Court Questions Ticket Price Hike for ‘Peddi’

The Telangana High Court has questioned the state government's decision to permit an increase in ticket prices for the recently released film Peddi, despite earlier assurances that such hikes would not be allowed. The court observed that authorities continue granting permissions for ticket price increases whenever a major film is released, even after repeatedly assuring the court otherwise. Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar noted that the government had previously been directed to implement ticket pricing as per GO No.120 issued in 2021 and questioned the rationale behind issuing special memos permitting higher ticket rates.

During the hearing of a contempt petition filed by D. Chandrababu, seeking action against Home Department Principal Secretary Shikha Goel for allegedly violating court orders, the judge expressed concern over the government's repeated stance. The court remarked that while the government promises not to increase ticket prices whenever a case comes up for hearing, permissions are granted again when new films hit theatres. Seeking a detailed explanation on the government's approach toward implementing court orders, the High Court adjourned the matter to the 15th of this month.