Rights panel orders inquiry into alleged overpricing of food items at Kalabhavan Theatre
Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the directive following a complaint that food was being sold at rates nearly double to the rates displayed there.
The complaint was lodged by Waheed, a Kottur resident, who claimed that customers were being charged Rs 100 for popcorn, while the displayed price was only Rs 60. He noted that the discrepancy was not limited to Kalabhavan but was also reportedly prevalent in other theatres across the city.
Justice Thomas instructed secretaries of local self-govt department, civil supplies department and corporation to examine the complaint and submit a detailed report within a month.
SHRC emphasised that consumers have the right to be charged transparently and fairly, especially at public or govt-affiliated venues. If the allegations were found to be true, it could amount to unfair trade practices and exploitation of cinemagoers, SHRC observed.
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This incident also reignited broader concerns about unchecked food pricing in cinema halls, which remain outside the purview of standard consumer protection norms in many cases. Consumer rights activists have welcomed the SHRC move, urging authorities to implement price regulation more strictly across all theatres.
The outcome of the investigation could lead to regulatory changes or fines for violators, particularly in govt-affiliated venues like Kalabhavan, which is expected to follow public accountability norms.
Further action will be based on the findings submitted by the departments concerned.
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