HERE’S A SLICE OF THE CONTROVERSY

Can you take your own food to the movies? A look at what we know so far

Questioning how cinema-goers can be forced to purchase food and water from theatres, the Bombay high court (HC) said nobody should be prohibited from carrying these into malls and multiplexes

The bench said the state must frame a clear policy on this Trigger: The HC order came after a PIL filed by film writer and director, Jinendra Baxi, challenged how people are not allowed to carry their own food items and water bottles inside theatres although there is no legal restriction on the same. He also claimed that however, fast food is served in several theatres, although there is a restriction imposed on the same by rule 121 of the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1966. Baxi contended that the ban violated the fundamental right to life of medically vulnerable persons and senior citizens

What the law says: Rule 121 of the Maharashtra Cinemas

2018 (Regulation) Rules 1966 does not allow selling food inside theatres. It also does not restrict outside food inside theatre premises

The U-turn: Ravindra Chavan, minister of state food and civil supplies department had announced in the monsoon session that the government would allow outside food in theatres. However, in the affidavit submitted in the Bombay HC on Wednesday, the state said no outside food can be allowed inside theatres due to security reasons.

The affidavit has referred to the opinion submitted by the director general of police (DGP) WHAT THIS MEANS: Theatres are prohibited from selling packaged food including water bottles at inflated rates POPCORN, SAMOSAS EXEMPTED: However, there would be no restrictions on non-packaged food items including samosas and popcorn