The Supreme Court declared on Tuesday that cinema owners have the right to prohibit moviegoers from bringing food and beverages from outside into the movie theater. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, stated that cinema halls are private property of their owners.
“The cinema hall’s property is the private property of the hall’s owner. The owner has the right to impose terms and conditions as long as they do not hinder the public interest, safety, or welfare. The owner has the authority to set the terms for the sale of food and beverages. “Moviegoers have the option not to purchase the same,” the court stated.
“Viewers visit hall for entertainment,” the court said, according to the Bar and Bench.
The court added that the viewers must follow the rules of the cinema hall owner.
The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by cinema hall owners and the Multiplex Association of India challenging a High Court verdict from 2018.