Action sought against overcharging theatres

The Madras High Court has been moved to initiate action against cinema theatre owners in the State for charging more than the Government fixed ticket rates when the theatres screen new releases. Justice MM Sundaresh on hearing the plea issued notice to the Government returnable within two weeks. The petitioner G Devarajan contended that while clear rules prevailed on the minimum and maximum rate that can be charged for admission to theatres, the theatres he had visited had failed to adhere to the rules. 

He said that in Chennai, every time during the release of a new movie, especially those featuring popular actors, higher rates are charged for the first five days. Thereafter the prices of tickets are reduced a bit, but the rates still above the prescribed rates.