the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has penalised PVR Cinemas, Orion Mall, and PVR Inox Ltd for showing advertisements beyond the scheduled show time.
The Commission has reportedly asked PVR to pay Rs 1 lakh and showing ads beyond the permissible time is ‘unjust’ and an ‘unfair trade practice’.
PVR has been asked to deposit the amount with the Consumer Welfare Fund as punitive damages.
According to a report in New Indian Express, the commission, led by President M Shobha and members K Anita Shivakumar and Suma Anil Kumar, issued the order on Saturday (February 15) while partially upholding a complaint filed by advocate Abhishek MR.
It directed them to compensate the complainant with Rs 20,000 for mental distress and inconvenience, along with Rs 8,000 for litigation costs.
The commission noted that many viewers might have faced similar issues and instructed PVR Cinemas and PVR Inox Ltd. to comply with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s directive on the matter.
Reportedly, the Commission also observed that no one has the right to gain from others’ time and money. One can’t sit for more than 30 minutes and watch advertisements as watching movies gives some relaxation to the mind, it should not lead to any frustration, the commission noted.
The report further stated that the complainant booked three tickets for Vicky Kaushal’s Sam Bahadur on December 26, 2023, for a 4:05 pm show, paying Rs 825.66 per ticket. As per the schedule, the movie was supposed to end by 6:30 pm, allowing him to return to work on time.
However, despite entering the hall at 4 pm, advertisements and movie trailers were played from 4:05 pm to 4:28 pm.
Rejecting PVR’s argument that recording was illegal, the commission stated that the complainant had recorded only the advertisements to support his case. It further noted that by doing so, he had proven a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice, both of which are legitimate concerns under consumer rights.
The complainant alleged that due to a nearly 30-minute delay, he missed his scheduled work. The movie, set to start at 4:05 pm, began only at 4:30 pm.
PVR Cinemas and PVR Inox Ltd. denied the claims, stating they are legally required to screen public service announcements (PSAs).
However, the commission found that out of 17 ads, only one was a PSA, while guidelines allow just 10 minutes for such content. The CD evidence supported the complainant’s allegations.