High Court Orders Free Parking at Single-Screen Theatres

High Court Suspends GO 121, Orders Free Parking at Single-Screen Theatres

The High Court has ordered that single-screen theatres across the state must not collect parking fees from moviegoers, providing significant relief to audiences.

The court suspended Government Order (GO) 121, which had earlier allowed theatres to collect parking charges. With the order now put on hold, single-screen theatres are not permitted to charge any fee for vehicle parking.

Court Reviews Parking Fee Policy

The issue came under judicial scrutiny following concerns over parking charges collected at cinema halls. The High Court examined the policy that enabled theatres to impose parking fees on visitors.

After reviewing the matter, the court decided to suspend GO 121, the government order that had authorised theatres to collect such charges. The decision effectively removes the permission granted earlier under the order.

As a result, theatres operating as single-screen cinema halls will now have to allow vehicle parking without collecting any additional fee from viewers.

Relief for Moviegoers Across the State

The order is expected to benefit cinema audiences who had raised concerns about additional charges at theatre premises.

Visitors often pay parking charges separately in addition to purchasing movie tickets. With the High Court’s direction, single-screen theatre owners will no longer be allowed to collect parking fees under the suspended government order.

The ruling brings immediate relief for viewers visiting single-screen theatres across the state.

Existing Rule for Multiplex Theatres

For multiplex theatres, a separate arrangement already exists regarding parking charges.

Moviegoers visiting multiplexes are exempted from parking fees if they present their cinema ticket, according to the existing system followed at such theatre complexes.

The High Court’s decision primarily affects single-screen theatres, where parking fees had been collected under the provisions of GO 121.