In all the above writ petitions, the petitioners are seeking to declare Rule 91-B of the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957 introduced by G.O.Ms.No.678, Home (Cinemas-II) Department, dated 18.5.1999 as unconstitutional, illegal and void.

2. Writ Petition Nos.10121 to 10126 to 1999 and 10048 to 10053 of 1999 have been filed by the contractors who got right from the licensees of the respective cinema theatres to maintain parking of cars, motor-cycles and cycles in the cinema theatres and to collect fees from the vehicle owners who park their vehicles in the parking place. The Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association, Coimbatore, Erode and Nilgiris Districts have filed W.P.No.10964 of 1999 challenging the said Rule. The licensee of the theatre, has filed W.P.No.10711 of 1999, challenging the said Rule.

3. For the regulation of exhibition in the screening of cinematograph in the State of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1955, hereinafter called ‘the Act’, has been enacted. Sec.10 of the Act gives power to the Government to make Rules to carry out the purpose of the Act. Admittedly, before introducing Sec.10(2)(1) of the Act, there is no provision under Sec