Multiplexes, Cinemas Will Face Action If Found To Sell Packaged Food Above MRP: Akun Sabharwal

Akun Sabharwal, Controller of Legal Metrology Department directed the multiplex managements and cinema theatres not to sell packaged goods for more than the MRP to customers, at a meeting in Hyderabad on Tuesday. It is to be noted that, packaged commodities being sold for more than the MRP is illegal.

The Legal Metrology Department conducted special raids and booked a few cases recently on receiving several complaints from people that multiplexes and cinema theatres are charging more than the MRP.

Same price, in and out

The meeting that was held by Akun Sabharwal saw the presence of representatives of multiplexes and cinema theatres’ owners on Tuesday at the Civil Supplies Bhavan, Somajiguda. About 100 members attended the meeting including representatives of PVR, Inox, Prasads, Asian, Cinepolis, Tivoli Multiplexes, Sudarshan, Sri Mayuri, Venkatadri and Konark theatres. It’s not just the theatre representatives but also the Theatres’ Canteen Association secretary Chandra Mohan and Film Development Corporation MD Vijay who participated in the meeting.

Akun Sabharwal directed the owners of multiplexes and cinema theatres to sell eatables and water for the same price as the MRP, just as it’s being done outside. Adding to that, he also directed that unpacked items like popcorn and ice creams should not be sold in small, medium, big or jumbo forms and instead, weight and measurement of each of the items should clearly be visible and also on the board.

Bills and printed prices mandatory

The bill of the items sold should be issued compulsory to the customer for every purchase, in line with the Consumer Act, said Akun Sabharwal who added that it was the responsibility of every multiplexes and cinema theatre owners to see this through.

It is compulsory to print price on the goods as price and weight stickers have been allowed only till July 24. The Controller also warned that if the theatres or multiplexes found violating rules will be persecuted and cases would be booked and a heavy penalty would be laid on them.

He also urged the people to lodge complaints if they found any violation of rules or if theatres were charging more than the MRP. The complaints can be lodged on the toll-free number 180042500333 or sent as tests to WhatsApp number 7330774444.