Bengaluru: The state govt Wednesday assured the high court that no coercive action will be taken till the next date of hearing against petitioners who challenged the constitutional validity of imposition of 2% cess on cinema tickets under Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists (Welfare) Act, 2024.
The notification of 2% cess, issued on Sept 10, came into effect Sept 30. The petitioners challenged Sections 9(1), 9(2) and 11 of the Act, along with Rule 8(1) of Karnataka Cine and Cultural Activists Social Security and Welfare Rules, 2025. The court adjourned the hearing to Oct 26, granting two weeks to the state govt to file its objections.
However, as of now, the court has not granted a stay on operation of the Act. A submission to this effect was made before Justice HT Narendra Prasad, who was hearing petitions filed by Vinayaka Chitramandira Theatre, PVR INOX and Multiplex Association of India.