How is outside food a multiplex threat: Mumbai HC

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court (HC) on Wednesday asked the state to explain how outside food posed a security threat to multiplexes, and why it cannot be permitted in cinema halls in Maharashtra, when it is allowed even on flights.

“What kind of security concern arises from outside food in theatres?” a division bench of justice Ranjit More and justice Anuja Prabhudessai sought to know.

“People are not prohibited from carrying food in any other public place, besides cinema theatres. If people can carry home food inside aircraft, why not in theatres?”

In the affidavit filed in HC, the state said it did not want to interfere with the current prohibition imposed by multiplexes on outside food, as it could lead to “chaos or security issues”.

The bench, referring to the affidavit filed by the state, said there was no specific law or statutory provision that prohibited cinemagoers from carrying home-made or outside food to theatres.

“You have said there is no specific legal provision behind prohibition. So what kind of security problems are you anticipating?” the bench asked the government.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by one Jinendra Baxi, a film writer and director who highlighted that patrons were not allowed to carry food items and water bottles inside theatres, even though there was no legal restriction on this.