Karnataka High Court Declines to Regulate Theatre Operations Amid Ad Controversy
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Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court ruled it cannot dictate theatre operations amidst an appeal over lengthy advertisements before movie screenings. The case involves PVR Cinemas and claims of service deficiency due to delays caused by ads.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court cannot regulate theatre operations.
- Appeal concerns long advertisements before movies.
- PVR Cinemas ordered to compensate for delays.
- Next hearing set for March 27.
- Case raises questions about jurisdiction of Consumer Commission.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court stated on Monday that it cannot dictate the operations of theatres while addressing an appeal regarding the display of lengthy advertisements prior to movie screenings.
A bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna made this remark during the hearing of an appeal brought forth by the Multiplexes Association of India.
The court had issued a notice to both the state and complainant Abhisheik M.R. as it suspended the Bengaluru District Consumer Commission's ruling that deemed PVR Cinemas responsible for compensating a petitioner who raised concerns about the prolonged advertisements during film showings.
The court granted an interim stay until the next hearing scheduled for March 27.
Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, representing the petitioner, argued that this is a matter of national significance. He questioned the previous ruling, asserting that the Bengaluru District Consumer Commission lacked authority over the issue. He claimed, “The mischief mongers have already started creating problems against us,” in reference to the complaints.
The petitioner purchased three tickets for the Hindi film “Sam Bahadur” at a cost of Rs 825.66, enduring an additional 25 minutes beyond the film's 2.25-hour runtime, stating that his losses cannot be quantified financially.
He argued that the practice of running advertisements and delaying the movie's start constitutes a deficiency in service by PVR Cinemas.
The Consumer Commission Forum indicated that government guidelines allow theatres to display 10 minutes of public service announcements and welfare schemes from both state and Central governments, which had been breached.
The forum also noted that the film should have commenced at the designated time and that advertisements should have been shown prior to ensure the movie started as scheduled on the ticket.
PVR Cinemas and PVR Inox Ltd were ordered to compensate the petitioner with Rs 20,000 for mental anguish, along with Rs 8,000 for litigation expenses. Additionally, PVR Cinemas was directed to pay Rs 1 lakh in punitive damages to the Consumer Welfare Fund.
