Supreme Court said that cinema halls and multiplexes have the right to impose the conditions and deciding on whether to allow outside food and beverages into their premises. The Supreme Court made this observation while hearing to a petition seeking for a ban on the food from outside at cinemas.
SC observed that theater owners are fully entitled to set their terms and conditions for selling food and beverages inside the halls. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said: Suppose someone starts getting jalebis. The owner would not want anyone wiping their hands on seats. They added that the cinema hall owner has the right to regulate the entry of food and beverage. Whether to consume what is available is entirely upon the choice of the movie lovers. Viewers visit halls for the entertainment.
A bench of Chief Justices put aside an order issued by Jammu and Kashmir High Court which removed the ban on movie lovers carrying their own food and beverages in theatres.
SC said that the cinema hall is the private property of the owner of such hall and he is entitled to put the terms and conditions as he deems fit provided the same are not contrary to the public interest or safety.