Advocate clerk G. Devarajan, known for filing cases in the Madras High Court against exorbitant ticket charges collected by a section of cinema theatres during big releases starring top actors in the film industry, has begun sending representations to government officials with a plea to ensure that the theatres charge as per law for actor Vijay’s upcoming flick Mersal .
Replying to a representation sent by him, the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home (Cinema) Department, has informed him that district level monitoring committees have been established to keep a check over collection of ticket fare in cinema theatres and that he could approach those committees with respect to violation of government fixed charges.
In the meantime, filing a counter affidavit to a writ petition filed by him accusing 28 cinema theatres of having charged exorbitantly for actor Ajith’s last release Vivegam , Additional Commissioner of Police S.N. Seshasai has told the High Court that Brindha Theatre at Perambur here had admitted the offence and paid compounding charge of ₹2,000 to revenue officials.
“In respect of Abirami theatre, Raj theatre, Shri Shanmuga in Moolakadai, Maharani in Washermanpet, MM theatre, Nathamuni in Villivakkam, Kasi theatre in Ashok Nagar, Parimala in Kundathur and Jothi theatre, the committee [comprising revenue and corporation officials] had not received any complaints,” the counter affidavit filed on behalf of the Police Commissioner read.
Mr. Seshasayee also said that a special team consisting of an Assitant Commissioner of Police, a Revenue Divisional Officer and an Entertainment Tax Officer had been formed by Greateer Chennai police on April 7 last to keep a check over theatres and telephone number 044-23452359 had been functioning in the police control room exclusively to receive such complaints.
