A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court by Manu Nair G, seeking regulatory intervention to cap movie ticket prices across the State.

The petitioner, appearing in person, has raised concerns over the lack of transparency and public accountability in the current pricing mechanisms, alleging that algorithms and dynamic pricing models are being used to exploit consumers.

The matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, June 10, before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji.

The Court has sought a response from the State government and posted the case for further hearing on July 1.

In his plea, the petitioner contended that the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses not merely survival but also the right to live with dignity—which includes access to leisure and cultural activities such as cinema.

He has urged the Court to direct the State to prescribe a maximum ceiling on movie ticket prices and to formulate a rational, fair, and transparent framework for regulating them.

The petitioner also highlighted that several neighbouring states—namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—have already issued government orders prescribing maximum ticket rates for cinema halls. He pointed out that, in Kerala, ticket prices have surged to exorbitant levels in recent times, with regular tickets touching ₹1,200 and recliner seats even going up to ₹1,400.

The plea raises broader concerns about affordability and equitable access to entertainment and calls for immediate state intervention to ensure fair pricing mechanisms in the cinema industry.