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| Edited By: Mustafa Plumber |Source: DNA |Updated: Jul 13, 2018, 08:59 PM IST
As, Maharashtra Government has agreed to allow outside food be taken inside Multiplexes and regulate the prices of food/beverages sold inside Multiplexes/theatres, DNA spoke to Advocate Aditya Pratap who has moved a public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court, for activist Jainendra Baxi, seeking, a cap on prices of food items sold by vendors inside the theatres and to allow own food.
What is the relief you have sought in the petition filed on behalf of Jainendra Baxi? Under what provisions of law?
The petition seeks directions to permit people to carry their own food inside cinema halls. The government should be directed to add a new licence condition that if a cinema hall refuses to allow people to carry their own food inside the licence will be cancelled. Further, it says that Multiplexes violated the Right to life under Article 21, of the Constitution of India, when they prohibit people from carrying their own food inside the theatre.
Do you think the Multiplex owners will abide by the government decision or they will continue the legal fight on this government decision?
The multiplex owners association has consistently opposed our petition. They have claimed that cinema theatre is private property and when a person buys a ticket, he gives up his right to carry food inside the cinema hall. There is a possibility that they will challenge the circular order equation which the government may issue and pray to get it stayed. We will be ready to argue the case on merits and hopeful that justice will be done in the matter.
The government has acted after the high court asked them to regulate the prices of food items while hearing the petition filed by you. Also the attack on a multiplex staffer in Pune, by members of a political party. What do you make out of this decision?
This is a positive decision taken by the government and shows respect for the rule of law. This decision of the Government of Maharashtra will go a long way in upholding the right to life and article 21 of the Constitution of India. It shows that respect for the Constitution, which has prevailed over the private security, profit interest of Multiplex owners.
