Should we start taking jalebis to the movies? asked one of the judges during a Supreme Court hearing on whether patrons can bring food into theatres.
A petition requesting a ban on outside food at theatres was being heard in court. The Supreme Court declared that movie theatres and multiplexes have the power to impose rules and regulations and choose whether to permit outside food and drink.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court’s decision to lift the restriction on patrons bringing their own food and water into theatres was overturned by a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha.
The judges stated that theatres have already been ordered to give free food and clean water, particularly for minors, and that the High Court had overstepped its mandate. The decision to watch a movie is up to the viewer, but once they enter the theatre, they are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the administration, they claimed.
The judges’ attempts to defend the position caused the debates to become humorous.
“If someone were to start eating jalebis inside the theatre, the administration could stop them. Who will foot the bill for cleaning up after the viewer wipes his greasy fingers on the seats? Additionally, tandoori chicken is welcome. Then concerns about bones left in the hallway will surface. That might also annoy some folks. Nobody is pressuring them to purchase popcorn, “Chandrachud, Chief Justice, stated.
“For water, we can agree that movie theatres should offer free water. However, if they charge 20 rupees for nimbu paani, you can’t suggest that you’ll walk outside and get your nimbu, squeeze it into a flask, and make it inside the theatre.”
The Chief Justice described an incident from when he presided over the Bombay High Court and heard a case involving adult movies shown on television after 11:00 p.m.
The case at hand was originally dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on July 18, 2018, overturning the prohibition on bringing food and beverages into movie theatres. The High Court had stated that because of the ban, individuals are compelled to consume whatever is offered for sale at the theatre.
News Mania Desk
