PVR INOX Fined ₹1.2 Lakh for Excessive Advertisements Before Movie Screenings: Landmark Consumer Court Ruling

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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What This Means for Moviegoers?

Consumers can now expect:

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

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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.

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