The Delhi government has launched a crackdown against multiplexes for overcharging of packaged eatables, including water bottles and aerated drinks, in theatres. (Syda Productions - Fotolia)

The Delhi government has launched a crackdown against multiplexes for overcharging of packaged eatables, including water bottles and aerated drinks, in theatres.

Teams from the government’s weights and measures department on Thursday conducted surprise inspections at (cinema halls/multiplexes) allegedly charging exorbitant prices in violation of Packaged Commodity Rules (PCR) on packaged eatables/drinks. The checks came at after directions from state food and civil supplies minister Imran Hussain.

Sources said action was taken in 12 cases, but did not name the multiplexes.

The issue of being charged more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) at cinema halls had been raised in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday.

A number of MLAs had pointed out that cinema halls and multiplexes were charging customers/cinema-goers in excess of MRP printed on the various packaged products such as biscuits, popcorn, aerated bottled water, chips and snacks.

For the offence, a retailer can be prosecuted under section 52, of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, which has a penalty (compounding fees) of up to Rs 2,000. If the offender refuses to pay compounding fees, he can be prosecuted in a court, which attracts a penalty of up to R 25,000.

The minister had earlier directed resolution of the issue of dual MRP, which refers to pricing of a product differentially like water bottle price at retail shops and cinema halls.

Department officers informed that matter is being taken up with various establishments and stakeholders and that the matter is likely to be resolved soon.

The team on Thursday checked 14 cinema halls apart from a few restaurants also.

During these inspections, some multiplexes were booked for dual MRP on water bottles, soft drinks. Two restro bars were separately booked for overcharging on water bottles.