Bombay High Court hits the roof over prices of food, drinks at cinemas

Overpriced food and drinks at cinema halls and multiplexes have, once again, propelled the Bombay High Court to chastise the state government. The court on Wednesday asked the state to impose some regulation on the sale prices, which are going through the roof.

A division bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Anuja Prabhudesai said, "Exorbitant prices are being charged. A product costing Rs 10 outside is sold for Rs 250 inside the multiplexes. Can the state government not regulate them?"

The court is hearing a public interest litigation filed by Jainendra Baxi seeking to control the prices. Baxi, through his lawyer Aditya Pratap, has argued that the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules prohibit sale of food inside theatres. "This rule is openly flouted... New theatres have buttons right on the seats that enable viewers to call for a waiter and have food delivered to the seats," the plea states.

Senior counsel Iqbal Chagla, appearing for the Multiplex Association of India, said, "If someone goes to five-star hotels, can one determine the price of the things sold? Similarly, food/beverages sold in multiplexes are a luxury and we are not compelling anyone to purchase them." He also said: "Drinking water is available for free to the patrons."

During the last hearing in the case on April 4, after being rapped by the court over the issue, the government had informed the bench that it was considering formulating a policy to regulate the prices of consumable items on sale in multiplexes.

Government pleader Purnima Kantharia had informed the court that suggestions from the petitioner and the Multiplex Association of India had been forwarded to the government and were under consideration. 

"Soon, guidelines will be formulated and it will be applicable to all multiplexes," she had said.

PUT A LEASH ON IT

• While hearing a PIL, HC asks state to come up with regulation to curb ‘exorbitant’ prices of food, beverages at multiplexes
   
• Multiplex Association of India argues that they are not forcing anyone to buy from them  
   
• Court has now asked the government to file its reply within four weeks.