Bombay High Court: How is food inside multiplexes a security issue?

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday questioned the state government stand to not allow outside food inside theatres/multiplexes because of security reasons by saying “Is food not for personal consumption by the patrons, how can it cause a security threat?”

A division bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Anuja Prabhudessai, while hearing a petition filed by one Jainendra Baxi seeking patrons to carry outside food in theatres, said, “In cinema halls there are metal detectors to check those who enter, similar to airports. In airports, if food is allowed to be taken inside by passengers, why not in multiplexes? How will there be a security breach? The state government affidavit has not specified in what way it will be security. There has to be some reason given.”

In an affidavit filed on Tuesday, the government has claimed that as per rules it cannot allow entry of outside food items but it will direct multiplexes to ensure water and packaged food items are not sold above MRP.

Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla, appearing for the multiplex owners’ association argued that admission to theatres is restricted and it being a business venture prices of goods sold inside cannot be regulated. “In future, people will demand to carry their own food at hotels, can that be allowed?” In an answer to this the bench said: The business of selling food items at Multiplexes and theatres is incidental business and not the main business, which is screening films, unlike a restaurant, which has food sale/serving as main business.”

The bench was informed by advocate Aditya Pratap that the Jammu and Kashmir high court has allowed entry of food items in the state.