“25 Minutes Wasted!” Bengaluru Man Wins Case Against PVR and INOX – Read More:

In a landmark decision, a Bengaluru consumer court has ruled in favor of a 30-year-old man who sued PVR Cinemas and INOX for subjecting audiences to prolonged pre-movie advertisements. The court deemed the practice an “unfair trade practice” and awarded the complainant compensation for the inconvenience caused.

The Complaint

The complainant, Abhishek MR, purchased tickets for a 4:05 PM screening of the film “Sam Bahadur” in 2023. He anticipated the movie would conclude by 6:30 PM, allowing him to attend subsequent engagements. However, the screening was delayed by approximately 25 minutes due to a series of advertisements and trailers, causing significant disruption to his schedule. Feeling aggrieved, Abhishek filed a lawsuit against PVR Cinemas, INOX, and the ticketing platform BookMyShow, accusing them of misleading customers with incorrect show timings and forcing them to watch extended advertisements for commercial gain.

Court’s Ruling

The consumer court ruled in favor of Abhishek, stating that the multiplexes’ practice of screening excessive advertisements before the movie constituted an unfair trade practice. The court emphasized that “time is money” and that no business has the right to profit at the expense of a customer’s time. As a result, the court ordered PVR Cinemas and INOX to compensate Abhishek with Rs 50,000 for unfair trade practices, Rs 5,000 for mental agony, and Rs 10,000 for legal expenses. Additionally, the multiplexes were fined Rs 1 lakh, to be deposited into the Consumer Welfare Fund within 30 days. The case against BookMyShow was dismissed, as the platform was deemed not responsible for the duration of advertisements shown in theaters.

Implications for Moviegoers

This ruling sets a significant precedent for the film exhibition industry, highlighting the importance of respecting consumers’ time. The court’s decision mandates that cinemas must display the actual start time of the feature film on tickets, ensuring that patrons are accurately informed and not subjected to unexpected delays due to extended advertisements. This move is expected to enhance transparency and improve the overall movie-going experience.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru consumer court’s verdict underscores the necessity for businesses to prioritize customer convenience and transparency. By holding PVR Cinemas and INOX accountable for their practices, the ruling advocates for the rights of consumers to receive accurate information and to have their time valued. This case serves as a reminder to service providers across industries to uphold fair practices and prioritize customer satisfaction.