Activist files complaint on overcharging by theatres in Chennai

He said these theatres were not only charging more than the State government fixed-price but also screening extra shows without taking special permission from the authorities concerned.

A social activist has given a complaint to Chennai police commissioner S. George on Monday, seeking action against cinema theatres for overcharging and screening extra shows of new films.

G. Devarajan, founder, All India Consumer Human Activity against Anti-Corruption and Crime, claimed two theatres in Moolakadai and Perambur were charging between Rs. 150 and Rs. 200 for the upcoming film ‘Anjaan’, though the ticket being sold did not mention a rate of admission.

He said these theatres were not only charging more than the State government fixed-price but also screening extra shows without taking special permission from the authorities concerned.

Mr. Devarajan, who had filed a PIL in 2012 against exorbitant charging by cinema theatres, cited the Madras High Court order, wherein the police department was directed to take action, if it was of a cognisable offence in nature, against the erring theatres.

But the police department, responding to the complaint of July 2012, had written back stating the commercial taxes department did not find the theatres in the city guilty of overcharging and no action could be taken, he added.

A theatre owner in the city said the practice of selling tickets at a price higher than that stipulated by the authorities was not widespread. He added it made no business sense to hike the prices within city limits. “Take a film like Anjaan. It will be screened in almost every theatre in south Chennai. Why would anyone want to buy an expensive ticket,” he said.

H August 12, 2014