TN Govt Prescribed "Very Low" Parking Fees In Cinema Theaters: High Court Quashes GO
The Madras High Court recently found that the charges fixed by Tamil Nadu government for parking in cinema theaters is "very low" and directed the State to re-fix the same, keeping in view the fees levied by Municipal Corporations and Railway authorities. The development comes in a petition filed by Woodlands Theatre.Rule 91(B) of Tamil Nadu Cinemas Regulation Rules 1957 to empower states...
The Madras High Court recently found that the charges fixed by Tamil Nadu government for parking in cinema theaters is "very low" and directed the State to re-fix the same, keeping in view the fees levied by Municipal Corporations and Railway authorities.
The development comes in a petition filed by Woodlands Theatre.
Rule 91(B) of Tamil Nadu Cinemas Regulation Rules 1957 to empower states to fix parking charges for the vehicles parked in the cinema theatres in the state. The petitioner theatre had challenged the fee fixation claiming that parking rates for all other places except cinema theatre was higher.
On comparison the court found that the fee fixed by the Government was very low. Justice R Subramanian observed as under:
"On a comparison of the charges that has been levied by the Corporation and the railway Authorities for parking in public places", I find that the fixation of Rs.20/- for a four wheeler for the entire duration of the film and Rs 10/- for two wheeler is very low"
The court noted that the positive direction made by the division bench was made after taking into account the views of the stakeholders. However, the present fee does not reflect the view of the stakeholders. Thus, the court quashed the impugned Government Order fixing the fee and issued directions accordingly.
Case Title: Woodlands Theatres v. State of Tamil Nadu
Case No: WP No. 33181 of 2017
Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Mad) 377
Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr. S Ravi for M/s. Gupta and Ravi
Counsel for the Respondent: Mrs V Yamunadevi, Special Govt Pleader