The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has made it clear that multiplex theatres must provide free purified drinking water to all moviegoers if they continue to ban outside food and beverages.
The order followed a complaint by a Kozhikode resident against PVR Cinemas in Kochi, alleging that the multiplex barred customers from bringing their own food while charging exorbitant prices for snacks and drinks inside. The complaint argued that such a practice amounted to an unfair trade practice, effectively forcing patrons to buy from the in-house counters.
PVR Cinemas, in its defense, maintained that the restriction on outside food was a standard safety and hygiene measure applied equally to all patrons, aimed at preventing the entry of hazardous or inflammable items under the pretext of food. The company further clarified that purchasing food inside the theatre is not mandatory and that free purified drinking water is already made available.
After hearing the arguments, the bench led by D. B. Binu (President) with members V. Ramachandran and T. N. Srividya dismissed the complaint, citing the complainant’s failure to produce adequate evidence or affidavit despite sufficient opportunity. The court reiterated that under the Consumer Protection Act, the burden of proof lies with the complainant.
However, even while the case was dismissed, PVR Cinemas provided a written undertaking assuring the court that all customers would continue to receive purified drinking water free of cost and without any obstruction—a move welcomed as a relief for cinema-goers.
