MAM
Multiplex association says no order from govt about allowing outside food in theatre
MUMBAI: A relief has been granted to cine-goers when a Maharashtra minister stated in the state assembly on Friday that there is no ban on people carrying outside food into cinema theatres.
Opposition in the legislative council Dhananjay Munde also raised the issue of exorbitant rates at multiplexes. Snacks at multiplexes are sold at a premium, significantly over the MRP. The legislation was likely to be enacted from 1 August and hence cinema multiplexes in the state may not be able to overcharge you for a tub of popcorn or a glass of cola, nor can they stop you from bringing in food from outside.
Minister of state for food and civil supplies, Ravindra Chavan, replied saying the centre was readying a law to ensure food cannot be sold at different prices at different places. “There is no prohibition on taking outside food into multiplexes. The state home department is coming up with a policy to deal with this issue,” he said.
Multiplex Association of India (MAI) clarified that none of the multiplex cinema theatres operated by any of the members have received any order, notification or communication to this effect from the government of Maharashtra or any other regulatory authority. Hence they are not aware of any decision to this effect, if taken by the government.
MAI president Deepak Asher said, “Since the matter is currently sub-judice, and since we have no other formal communication from any regulatory authority, we would not like to comment any further on the matter.
A PIL (L) No 82 of 2017 (Jainendra Baxi vs State of Maharashtra) on a similar matter was filed before the Bombay High Court in which the MAI had joined in as a party. At the last hearing, the High Court granted the government pleader further time to seek instructions and file an affidavit regarding its stand on the matter. The above-mentioned petition is pending and is scheduled to be heard on 25 July 2018.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
