Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

Consumer body plea on cinema ticket rates

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: Coimbatore Consumer Cause (CCC) has welcomed the decision of the State Government to withdraw permission given to theatres to fix ticket rates on their own and has suggested that its latest order on criterion for maximum fares be reconsidered.

In a memorandum to the Government, CCC secretary K. Kathirmathiyon said recently that the Government had issued an order withdrawing permission granted to cinema theatres to fix the rates of admission on their own, just by giving an application to the licensing authority two weeks before the date on which the rates would be revised.

Thanking and appreciating the Government for the withdrawal of permission enabling arbitrary revision on their own, Mr. Kathirmathiyon said during 1994 Film Exhibitors' Association represented to the Government that by removing the restriction on the rates of admission and by permitting them to fix higher rates would not only reduce black marketing but also ensure better revenue to the Government through entertainment tax. The Government also conceded the demand and issued an order on October 28, 1994, which was immediately opposed. Instead of taking action against blackmarketing, selling all tickets for higher rates was not only quite unreasonable but was also an attempt to legalise the higher entry rates.

Now, the Government had withdrawn the entertainment tax completely and hence there was no question of more revenue to the Government by entertainment tax on the rate of admission. Therefore, the Government's decision to withdraw the blanket power given to the cinema theatres to fix their own rates of admission was absolutely right and was in the interest of the common man. The Government should not succumb to the pressures by the cinema theatre owners who are reportedly trying to represent to the Government to reconsider the decision, he appealed.

Regarding the fixing of maximum rates for different areas for different type of theatres, CCC felt that there was relief to consumers in respect of some category of theatres. But the order issued on December 31, 2006 permitting increase in the maximum rates up to Rs.120 needs to be reviewed. Such a rate of admission was agreeable, if more additional facilities were provided.

Hence, CCC requested the Government to review the decision and take appropriate policy decision keeping in mind the interests of movie-goers, Mr. Kathirmathiyon said.

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