Bombay HC to Government- Why can’t people get their own food in the movie halls?

A PIL was filed before Bombay High Court challenging why moviegoers are forced to buy food from the movie halls and not allowed to get their own food. It claimed that there is no legal provision prohibiting a person from carrying food or even water in the movie halls.

The limitation on bringing outside food to movie halls particularly affects senior citizens and those who cannot eat junk food because of medical reasons.

The main reason behind the PIL is to bring in a mandatory clause directing them against banning any outside food or water in the movie halls.
The Bombay HC directed the Maharashtra government to file a reply to the PIL challenging the prohibition on carrying outside food into movie theatres and multiplexes across the state.

The Court did not feel the need to frisk people for the food items they brought in the cinema halls and are thus, forced to purchase food from the halls. The Court also wanted to know if this practice is according to law and in consonance with it.

The lawyer also stated in the Court that the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules prohibit hawking and selling food inside theatres and auditoriums. However, this rule is openly broken by cinema halls with multiple stalls selling food and beverages. Apart from this, the new more expensive theatres have buttons right on the seats of customers that let them call a waiter to order food, and have it delivered to their seats.

The HC bench also remarked that the primary concern of the security staff at movie halls should be to frisk the viewers for any unauthorized or dangerous possessions for which they have metal detectors. The security staff must ensure the safety of the people and not refuse them to carry food and water.