Patrons not bound to buy inside: Cinemas

MUMBAI: Junior minister

Ravindra Chavan

cited a 1966 law to say on Friday that people can carry food from outside into

multiplexes

, where overcharging is rampant. But officials weren’t so sure. “There is a grey area in the 1966 rules. We are looking to rectify it,” said an official.

Also, implementation of the 1966 rules has not been the most forceful. The minister himself said that till the end of June, 44 malls and multiplexes were inspected and cases have been filed against only three for overcharging.




The Multiplex Association of India said they had not received any order and refused comment saying the matter is sub judice. It has earlier taken the stand that movie-goers are not bound to purchase anything inside.

The

Bombay high court

is hearing a PIL filed by Jainendra Baxi through his lawyer Aditya Pratap, seeking to “enforce the right to life of a cinema-goer’’. The HC has asked the state to file an affidavit in four weeks.

Amitabh Gupta, controller of legal metrology, has asked the government to allow consumers to carry food and drinks inside as they are being overcharged by selling food and drinks in loose form without MRP. For instance, a cold drink is not sold in packaged bottles with MRP, they are sold through soda fountains. “We are trying to ensure consumers’ rights are protected,” said Gupta.

Chavan said the central government was preparing guidelines to regulate pricing of foodstuff that does not have MRP, like popcorn or samosas.

“We have been taking strict action against those over-charging in malls, food courts or multiplexes. After the dual pricing law is implemented from August 1, we will start taking action under that rule as well,” said Chavan.

Congress leader Milind Deora criticized the government decision in a tweet (see box), but some people TOI spoke to were happy. Harshita Devna, who is from Bhopal and is studying at a premier college here, watches four-five movies a month. “Movie outings are especially expensive, given that the tickets are costly and basic things like water are also expensive. I go to smaller theatres, and choose the costly multiplexes only for 3D shows,” she cribbed.

Juhi Vartak owns a business and stays at

Vile Parle

. She said: “It is okay for multiplexes to charge a nominal amount extra but not to the extent that they are doing. It hurts my cinema experience.” She feels especially angry since she is not even allowed to carry water inside.