Multiplexes, theatres raided in Hyderabad

Fifty four cases were booked on Thursday while 18 multiplexes were found violating the rules by charging excess amounts on eatables and beverages during raids by the legal metrology department. In a related development, the Multiplex Association of India and PVR Ltd challenged in the Hyderabad High Court the circular issued by the government that laid down restrictions on the sale of non-packaged food items in the theatres.

Officials carried out checks at 20 multiplexes and theatres to see if recently-issued circular aimed at regulating the prices of food and beverages is being complied with by the managements.



“We have decided to carry out the raids on prominent multiplexes to see whether the order is being followed or not. The raids will be carried out in GHMC and HMDA jurisdiction on Friday also,” a senior official said. 

“Some of the multiplexes are not only charging excess rates but are also providing lesser quantity of eatables to the cinegoers,” he said.

Seven teams led by assistant controllers with 30 members took part in the raids. Patrons also complained that despite the circular and the raids, the multiplexes continued to fleece them.