Keralam: Legal Metrology Department inspects cinema theatres in malls over food prices

The Legal Metrology Department conducted inspections at cinema theatres in mall complexes in Kerala on Friday, following complaints of overcharging for food items, officials announced. Inspectors from the Civil Supplies and Food Safety departments joined the teams at theatres in Kochi. The inspections aimed to determine if the displayed food prices matched the actual prices charged to consumers and whether consumers were being overcharged.

Officials stated that the state government had previously set the price of a one-litre water bottle at ₹13, though this decision was challenged in court and remains unresolved. The current issue of overcharging is not new, having persisted for years, as reported by Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V V Rajesh, who received frequent complaints about excessive ticket and food prices.

Rajesh highlighted a case where a family paid ₹6,048.94 for seven tickets, expecting recliner seats, but received seats priced at ₹230 each. The mayor noted that while the Corporation lacked direct intervention powers, local authorities could address other aspects of the issue. Growing public awareness and demands for action were evident, emphasizing that enjoyment should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status.