PVR Cinemas fined Rs 1 lakh for ads resulting in film delays

The Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed PVR Cinemas at Orion Mall and PVR Inox Limited to pay Rs 1 lakh in punitive damages for displaying advertisements resulting in the film running beyond, The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday.

This constituted an unjust and unfair trade practice, the commission ruled in an order issued on Saturday.

The complainant, advocate Abhishek MR, told the court that he had booked three tickets for the film Sam Bahadur on December 26, 2023, for the 4.05 pm show, paying Rs 825.66 per ticket. The film was expected to end by 6.30 pm as per the schedule, which would have allowed him to return to work afterward.

However, advertisements and film trailers were shown from 4.05 pm to 4.28 pm even though the complainant and his family entered the cinema hall at 4 pm. The film, scheduled to start at 4.05 pm, was delayed by nearly 30 minutes and began at 4.30 pm, he added.

The complainant claimed that he missed his work commitment as a result of the delay.

On their part, PVR Cinemas and PVR Inox Limited denied the allegations and argued that they were legally required to screen public service announcements in the form of short films and documentaries to raise awareness...

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