‘Unfair Trade Practice’: PVR, INOX Fined ₹1 Lakh by Bengaluru Consumer Court for Excessive Ads Before Movie

A 30-year-old advocate from Bengaluru has won ₹65,000 in compensation after a consumer court ruled against PVR Cinemas and INOX for making him wait 25 minutes due to lengthy advertisements before a movie screening. The court called the practice an "unfair trade practice" and directed the multiplex chains to compensate him.

Abhishek MR, the complainant, said he booked three tickets for Sam Bahadur in 2023 for a 4:05 p.m. show. However, the movie started only at 4:30 p.m. due to prolonged advertisements and trailers. He had planned to return to work after the screening but the delay disrupted his schedule. In his complaint, he argued that his time was wasted and accused the cinemas of misrepresenting show timings for profit.

The court acknowledged his claims, stating that "no one has the right to gain benefit out of others' time and money." It ruled that 25 to 30 minutes was too long to sit idle in a theater and watch advertisements. The court directed PVR and INOX to pay ₹50,000 for unfair trade practices, ₹5,000 for mental distress, and ₹10,000 for legal expenses. It also imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the multiplex chains, ordering them to deposit the amount into the consumer welfare fund within 30 days.

PVR and INOX defended their actions by citing legal requirements to screen public service announcements. The court countered that such announcements should be limited to 10 minutes before the movie starts or during the interval. BookMyShow was not held liable as it does not control the duration of advertisements.