Update: BookMyShow has declined to comment on the reason for the ban but confirmed that the ban is for all online players.
G.O. Ms. 110 dated 19.02.2009 (the order passed by the Home Department) has been stayed by an order of the High Court passed in several writ petitions filed by entities involved in online movie ticketing and Bigtree has a status quo order dated 24 March 2009 in its favor by the Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh pursuant to which online movie ticketing was being continued to be provided by BookmyShow. The matter is subjudice.
However, for reasons best known to the State Government, despite the stay granted by the Hon’ble High Court, the home department has taken a view that certain websites do not have valid interim orders of the High Court and are harassing the officers of such entities. This is not rite. Bookmyshow was running under the status quo granted by the Hon’ble High Court. The reports appearing are incomplete to the extent that whilst there is a mention of the monopolistic nature of G.O. Ms. 110, the reports are silent that the constitutional validity has been challenged and the Hon’ble High Court has stayed the same till final disposal of the cases before it. Further, we fully agree with the questions raised by media including, inter alia, as to the motive and intent of the State Government in issuing a privilege to just one entity and as to why the Hon’ble High Court’s status quo order is not being honored by the State Government
Earlier: Online movie ticketing portal, BookMyShow is reporting a ban on online ticketing in Andhra Pradesh. The exact reason for ban is unknown but as per BookMyShow’s update the ban seems to be enforced by the Government of AP.
Due to statutory reasons (Govt. of AP), all online ticketing in Andhra Pradesh has been taken off the web till further notice.
The ban seems to be only for Cinema ticket booking and not for travel or any other tickets. All the official sites of cinema chains like PVR, Fame, Big Cinemas and other smaller cinemas have stopped there online bookings. Most of them are managed by BookMyShow’s parent company, Big Tree Entertainment. Surprisingly, KyaZoonga.com is allowing booking for Hyderabad.
It is still not clear whether it is a ban specific to Big Tree Entertainment or a blanket ban. We have contacted BookMyshow and are waiting to hear from them.