Inspections in cinemas to continue at routine intervals: Minister

Anoop Jacob | Photo Credit: VIBHU H “A lot of complaints related to overpricing in cinemas and multiplexes are being received. The government cannot but intervene in the matter. It is a routine process when complaints are received to examine the facts and see what can be done about it,” Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Legal Metrology Anoop Jacob has said.The Minister told The Hindu that he had directed that the inspections be continued at routine intervals, irrespective of whether there were complaints or not. Inspections in Ernakulam had seen a fine being imposed in one instance and a FIR being registered in another. No issues were found in Kozhikode, while inspections were on in Thiruvananthapuram.The Minister said in cases where price lists of food items were displayed but consumers were being charged more than that, action could be taken. If price lists were not displayed, fines could be imposed or improvement notice given. When food items such as pizzas, burgers, tea, or popcorn that are not pre-packaged are sold at exorbitant rates, the government would file a case in consumer courts to protect consumer interests. The District Supply Officer had been authorised to do the same, the Minister said.Difficult to detectThe Minister pointed out that in many cases it was difficult to detect violations as price lists were displayed as per rules and the items billed and sold at the displayed rates. “The inspections are a warning that when complaints arise, the government will intervene,” the Minister said.He stressed the need for cinemas to sell food at reasonable prices. Else in the event of complaints of overpricing, the department would intervene and file cases in consumer court. The department was also seized of the matter of colas/sodas being dispensed in disposable glasses at prices more than that fixed by companies, the Minister said. Published - September 08, 2026 07:06 pm IST