The AP government was shocked by the High Court's decision to revise cinema ticket prices. It also decided that it had the authority to set ticket pricing for movies.

Recently, the AP government altered the ticket rates to include an additional service charge. The trial on the matter was held yesterday, and the high court clearly said that the government has no authority to control the price of movie tickets. The government can only advise pricing; it is up to the licensing authority to fix the price.

The government must include representatives from multiplexes in any panels that discuss and decide on ticket rates. Theatres have the authority to charge an extra service fee for tickets purchased online. The government cannot set a ticket price that includes a service charge.

On Wednesday, High Court Justice DVS Somayaju issued interim orders to that effect. The trial was postponed until June 15, and the defendants were ordered to file counterclaims. On March 7, this year, the state government approved the addition of service charges to the ticket prices of multiplex cinemas across the state.