Patna: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a total penalty of Rs 85,000 on Cinepolis and Coca-Cola for selling a bottled water product priced at Rs 20 in the open market for Rs 50 inside a cinema hall. The commission termed the practice an unfair and restrictive trade practice and ordered compensation for the consumer.
Under the order, the consumer is to receive Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses. The remaining Rs 50,000 must be deposited in the State Consumer Welfare Fund.
Consumer Charged Rs 50 for a Rs 20 Water Bottle
According to the complaint, the consumer visited a Cinepolis theatre on September 23, 2016, to watch a film. Since bringing water from outside was prohibited, the consumer purchased a bottle of water inside the cinema hall.
However, a bottle available in the open market for Rs 20 was sold to the consumer for Rs 50, prompting the complaint before the consumer commission.
Commission Calls Dual Pricing Unfair
In its order, commission president Prem Ranjan Mishra and member Rajneesh Kumar observed that consumers cannot be prevented from bringing water from outside and then compelled to purchase the same product at a higher price inside a cinema hall.
The commission held that charging arbitrary, different prices for the same product in such circumstances was contrary to consumer interests.
Directions to Prevent Overcharging
The commission directed Cinepolis and Coca-Cola to stop selling packaged drinking water and other products at prices higher than the prevailing open-market prices. It also ordered the companies to ensure that the maximum retail price (MRP) is displayed clearly and legibly on bottles.
The companies have been given 45 days to comply with the order. Failure to comply within the stipulated period will attract interest at 9% per annum on the prescribed amount.
The commission also directed the Legal Metrology Department and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to take necessary action to prevent arbitrary dual pricing of the same product.
The order highlights consumer protection concerns surrounding the sale of packaged products at cinema halls, particularly where restrictions on carrying outside food and beverages limit consumers’ choices.
