Why are tickets sold at high rates, Online booking sites asked

A division bench comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonimum Prasad, before whom the plea moved by one G Devarajan came up, on pursuing the documentary evidence submitted, sought clarification as to how such a violation can transpire.

However, the government advocates in response submitted that the tickets produced were purchased online and could be a combo ticket, which includes food.

But Justice Subramonimum Prasad pointed out that the ticket does not mention so and how tickets are being sold at double the rate than what is prescribed like Rs 150 in a multiplex having more than three screens with AC. He said the documentary evidence submitted clearly reveal that the public were chargedmuch more than the prescribed price.

Not being convinced about the explanation, the bench sought to know how tickets for movies with not so popular cast being sold at the prescribed rates while movies of top actors are being sold at higher rates.

Based on this, the bench, on posting the case for further hearing two weeks thereafter, directedonline booking sites like Book My Show to explain the rationale behind selling at high rates.

The bench also sought details of the implementation of the high court order in 2016 directing the State to constitute a special team to monitor excess admission fee levied by cinema theatres and set up a mechanism for receiving complaints about over pricing by setting up a helpline number for the same.

The petitioner had submitted that the theaters in the State levy exorbitant prices on movie tickets especially those featuring a famous star cast during the first week of screening. The plea was moved with respect to Rajinikanth’s 2.0 and Petta and Ajith’s Viswasam.