Multiplexes fined for not selling popcorn by weight

The legal metrology department has penalised two Kochi-based multiplex theatres – in Centre Square on MG Road and Oberon Mall in Edappally – for selling eatables and beverages without mentioning the volume and weight as per the law. The products, popcorns and soft drinks, were sold after categorising them as small, medium and large based on the size of the containers.

“As per Legal Metrology Act 2009, all products should be sold in standard units as prescribed by law. Beverages and drinking water should be sold in volume and eatables by weight. This will enable the customers to compare the prices of these products with those sold in other shops. Since they billed the customers based on the size of the containers, they won’t be able to know how much they have bought. In this scenario, it is difficult to make claims by the customers against the retailers,” said R Rammohan, deputy collector, central zone, legal metrology department. However, the department could not initiate any action against the theatres for selling packaged items above the rate being sold outside.

“A litre of bottled drinking water is sold in these theatres for Rs 40 and 50. This same product of the same manufacturer is available for just Rs 20 from shops outside. Manufacturers are providing products with higher MRP printed on them to bypass regulations. The department can only act if the products are charged over and above the MRP,” said C Shamon, assistant controller, legal metrology department, Ernakulam.

The theatre owners, charged with Sections 10 and 11 of the Legal Metrology Act, were slapped with a fine of Rs 10,000. If a theatre is owned by more than one partner, each partner will have to pay Rs 10,000 each.

Parsvnath expresses inability to refund on National Commission order

Parsvnath Developers has expressed inability to refund home buyers for not handing over possession of flats and sought a year’s time from the Supreme Court to complete the project.

Parsvnath’s Exotica project in Ghaziabad was launched in 2007 with a promise of handing over possession of the flats by 2011. Over 800 families put in their money but flats have not been handed over to them.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) had directed the company to refund money with interest to 70 flat buyers who had filed a case against the real estate giant. In response, the real estate company approached the Supreme Court and expressed inability to pay the money because of financial problems. It assured the court that the project would be completed in a year.