Centre Tells Tamil Nadu Government To Retract Its Order Allowing 100% Capacity In Theatres

As per the guidelines of the Home Ministry, movie theatres were allowed to operate, in phased manner, outside containment zones with 50 per cent occupancy

Audience at the cinema wearing protective face masks and sitting on a distance while watching the movie.

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday told the Tamil Nadu government to revoke the order in which it allowed 100% occupancy in movie theatres. The AIADMK led government had lifted the restriction of 50% occupancy in movie theatres. As per the guidelines of the Home Ministry, movie theatres were allowed to operate, in phased manner, outside containment zones with 50 per cent occupancy. Reminding the state about the guidelines, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote that the Home Ministry Guidelines extension is to be abided till January 31. "State/UT governments shall not dilute these guidelines... in any manner and shall strictly enforce the same," the letter read, pointing to the ministry guidelines. READ | 'Pehle He Dilwa Dete': Nitish Kumar Takes Dig Over Bharat Ratna Demand For Sonia Gandhi And Mayawati The letter also took a reference from a Supreme Court order that asked states to enforce Covid-appropriate behavior, including wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing. “In view of the above, the GoTN (Government of Tamil Nadu) is requested to immediately issue necessary order to bring their guidelines in line with the MHA guidelines dated 28th December 2020 and inform compliance to this ministry," the letter read. The state of Tamil Nadu which is known for its craze of films is also due for assembly elections later this year, opened up movie theatres with 50 per cent occupancy from November. After requests from the production houses and film stars to increase the capacity before the Pongal festival, the state requested for 100 per cent occupancy two days ago. The state government also issued guidelines, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid-19 shall also be screened during the showtime.