Multiplexes turn a deaf ear to administration’s order on food rates in Chandigarh

Multiplexes have failed to lower the rates of food items sold to moviegoers.

Three months after the Chandigarh administration directed multiplexes to rationalise the rates of food items sold to moviegoers, multiplexes have failed to lower them.

Through a report on May 1, Hindustan Times had highlighted how the food items sold inside the multiplexes were at least 80% costlier than those sold outside. (HT File Photo)

In a list of food items submitted to the administration recently, there is no change in the prices of eatables and drinks sold at multiplexes.

At a meeting of the district consumer protection council, chaired by deputy commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi on July 26, multiplexes were asked to submit a list of the sold food items and their rates to the Chandigarh administration within a week.

The Chandigarh administration now plans to verify their rates with the food and supplies department.

Speaking to HT, additional deputy commissioner Sachin Rana said, “We have got the rate lists from the multiplexes and will verify them with the food and supplies department. As Independence Day function is round the corner, we will hold a meeting after August 15 for further course of action.”

On no change in eatables’ rates, he said let us verify them first.

The administration on April 30 had directed multiplexes to rationalise the rates of eatables sold to moviegoers and allow senior citizens and children below the age of five to get their own food.

Though multiplexes allowed senior citizens and children below the age of five to get their own food, the exorbitant food rates continue to be the same.

The Chandigarh administration’s directions had come after the Bombay high court on April 4 said moviegoers could not be unilaterally prohibited from bringing their own food and water bottles inside theatres and multiplexes, when vendors were allowed to serve food inside at exorbitant prices.

Through a report on May 1, Hindustan Times had highlighted how the food items sold inside the multiplexes were at least 80% costlier than those sold outside.

Deepak Asher, president of Multiplex Association of India, said multiplexes were in the wrong only if they were charging more than the MRP on packed items. For other eatables, prices varied even between restaurants, he added.

RK Kaplash, member, district consumer protection council, said, “We will request the authorities concerned to take some decision as this matter is of huge public interest. We have been receiving several complaints on the high food rates at multiplexes.”

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the deputy commissioner can pass prohibitory orders under Section 133 and also order an FIR against multiplex owners violating norms. Besides, the council can fix the rates of eatables, and if the owners don’t comply with them, residents can approach the consumer court.

There are seven malls in the city with a footfall of around 8,000 a day during weekdays and around 12,000 a day on weekends.

Movie screens in the city are located at Elante Mall and Centra Mall, both in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area; Fun Republic Mall in Manimajra; TDI Mall in Sector 17; DLF City Centre Mall in IT Park, and Piccadily Square Mall in Sector 34.