Multiplexes, cinemas to face action if packaged food sold above MRP: Akun Sabharwal

​Hyderabad: Controller of Legal Metrology Department Akun Sabharwal on Tuesday directed the managements of multiplexes and cinema theatres not to sell packaged goods for more than the MRP to customers. As per Legal Metrology Department rules, packaged commodities being sold for more than MRP is illegal. 

It may be mentioned here that on receiving several complaints from people over multiplexes and cinema theatres charging more than MRP, recently the Legal Metrology Department conducted special raids and booked a few cases.

Akun Sabharwal held meeting with the representatives of multiplexes and cinema theatres owners on Tuesday at the Civil Supplies Bhavan, Somajiguda. About 100 members including representatives of PVR, Inox, Prasads, Asian, Cinepolis, Tivoli Multiplexes, Sudarshan, Sri Mayuri, Venkatadri and Konark theatres along with Theatres’ Canteen Association secretary Chandra Mohan and Film Development Corporation MD Vijay participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, Akun Sabharwal directed the owners of multiplexes and cinema theatres to sell eatables and water as per MRP, the same as outside.

Unpacked items like popcorn and ice creams should not be sold in small, medium, big or jumbo forms. Weight and measurement of each items should clearly be visible and also on the board, he directed. As per Consumer Act, bill should be issued compulsory to the customer for every purchase and it was the responsibility of every multiplexes and cinema theatre owners, Akun Sabharwal said.

Price and weight stickers are allowed only till July 24. It is compulsory to print price on the goods. The Controller warned that if the theatres or multiplexes were found violating rules, strong cases would be booked and heavy penalty would be laid on them.

He urged the people to lodge complaints if they found any violation of rules or if theatres were charging more than MRP on toll free number 180042500333 or WhatsApp number 7330774444.