About the Ruling

A Bengaluru consumer court has imposed a ₹1.2 lakh fine on PVR Cinemas & INOX for delaying the screening of the film ‘Sam Bahadur’ by 25 minutes due to excessive advertisements. The ruling underscores the importance of consumer rights and sets a significant precedent against unfair commercial practices in the entertainment industry.

Case Overview

• A moviegoer booked a 4:05 PM show of ‘Sam Bahadur’, but the screening began at 4:30 PM due to prolonged commercial advertisements.
• The court found that theatres exceeded the permissible limit of 10 minutes of public service announcements (PSAs), instead playing 25 minutes of ads.
• Out of 17 advertisements, only 2 were PSAs, violating consumer protection guidelines.

Court’s Decision

The Bengaluru consumer court ruled against PVR INOX, citing consumer exploitation and unfair trade practices. The fine breakdown is as follows:

• ₹1 lakh as punitive damages
• ₹20,000 for mental agony suffered by the complainant
• ₹8,000 towards litigation costs

Key Directives from the Court

• Theatres must disclose actual movie start times on tickets.
• Advertisements before screenings must not exceed permissible limits.
• Ticketing platforms like BookMyShow are not liable for movie start delays.
• “No one has the right to exploit consumers’ time for financial gain” – emphasized in the court’s ruling.

Implications for the Entertainment Industry

The ruling sends a strong message to multiplexes and cinema chains about the need for transparency and fair consumer practices. It highlights the necessity for:
✅ Accurate disclosure of screening times
✅ Strict adherence to ad time regulations
✅ Enhanced consumer rights awareness

What This Means for Moviegoers?

Consumers can now expect:

• Reduced ad times before movie screenings
• Greater transparency in cinema operations
• Strengthened consumer protection measures

Future Legal Considerations

This case opens doors for similar legal actions if theatres continue to violate advertisement limits. It encourages consumers to demand accountability and fairness from cinema operators.

Also Read: More Legal & Consumer Rights Updates

📌 Associate and Internship Opportunities at Bhargava Legal (Immediate Joining, Delhi, In-Office)
📌 Internship Opportunities at S&N Legal (March-April 2025, New Delhi, Physical)
📌 Senior Associate Hiring by Athena Legal (New Delhi, Full-Time)
📌 Moot Court Competition by Surana & Surana & School of Law, Sathyabama Human Welfare (March 20-22, 2025, Chennai, In-Person, Prizes Up to ₹25,000)
📌 Legal Internship Opportunity by RR Legal Partners LLP (Delhi, On-Site)

This case serves as a landmark judgment, reinforcing consumer rights and ensuring accountability in the entertainment industry.