Cinema Halls & Multiplexes Have The Right To Regulate Moviegoers From Carrying Food And Beverage From Outside

Posted On - 10 January, 2023 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva

The Supreme Court on 03/01/2023 decided that owners of cinema halls and multiplexes have a right to regulate moviegoers and allow or disallow them to carry food and beverages from outside inside the movie hall. This decision was made by virtue of an appeal against a decision made by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled that moviegoers are allowed to take outside eatables inside the movie theatres and multiplexes.

In the appeal against this decision of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha ruled that movie owners are entitled to regulate the sale of goods inside their premises, however stating that they can allow food and free drinking facilities for infants.

The Supreme Court said that the movie hall owner is the sole owner of all of the property associated with the movie theatre. The property owner has the right to impose their own terms and conditions, so long as such terms and restrictions do not go against the public interest, safety, or welfare. The owner has the ability to impose restrictions on the purchase of food and beverages. Attendees of a movie are not compelled to purchase the same item. The apex court said it is a matter of a commercial decision of the theatre owner. 

The Supreme Court has thus taken into account all the possible outcomes of allowing the entry of outside food and given such a decision. The Supreme Court has adopted a balanced and unbiased approach in delivering its decision.

[1]REFERENCES


[1]https://newsonair.gov.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=453444

https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/cases/display_pdf.php?filename=rC8SUFuyEFsvB5V61cXUrOm2N6F4%2B66JsVzf5mQEIsMS%2FVOdo6uwniBqG3VOBiBl&caseno=PIL/11/2018&cCode=1&appFlag=web&normal_v=1