The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered multiplex theatres to ensure the uninterrupted availability of Reverse Osmosis (RO)-filtered drinking water to all customers during business hours. The facility must be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition, and conspicuous notice boards should inform customers about the availability of free filtered water, the commission added.

The directive followed a complaint in April 2022 by I Sreekanth, a Kozhikode resident, who alleged that banning outside food while charging high prices for items inside constituted an unfair trade practice. Sreekanth had booked a ticket for 'KGF Chapter-2' at PVR Cinemas in Lulu Mall and purchased popcorn and a chicken burger from the theatre counter.

PVR argued that prohibiting outside food was a reasonable and standard condition, communicated in advance, and necessary for safety, hygiene, and security. Allowing outside items could risk the entry of alcohol, narcotics, or inflammable materials and disrupt theatre operations. The company compared these restrictions to practices at amusement parks, stadiums, and restaurants.

The management also clarified that customers were not compelled to buy food, drinking-water bottles were never restricted, and RO-purified water was already provided free of charge.

The bench, comprising President D B Binu and members V Ramachandran and T N Srividya, dismissed the complaint, noting that the complainant failed to provide supporting evidence. The court also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding theatre owners’ right to prohibit outside food.

While rejecting the complaint, the commission recorded PVR’s written assurance that free purified drinking water would continue to be available without obstruction. The court also directed the theatre to maintain the facility with proper cleanliness and display signboards informing customers about the availability of free drinking water.