Court moved for CBI probe into fleecing of moviegoers

A resident of Sembium here has moved the Madras High Court for a direction to the CBI to investigate film theatres charging moviegoers more than the prescribed rates of admission.

The petitioner, G. Devarajan, claiming to be a social worker, said that the halls were collecting more than the charges fixed by the government. The amended Tamil Nadu Cinema Theatre Regulation Rules were clear regarding the maximum and minimum rates that could be charged. But, the petitioner said he had to pay more than the prescribed rates. Every time when a new film was being released, the rules were being violated.

He filed a complaint with the State police, the CBI, the revenue and commercial tax authorities to take immediate action against the theatres that were planning to sell tickets for movies such as

Lingaa and

I . He said two theatres at Moolakkadai and Perambur charged Rs.200 for a ticket, which was a clear violation of a December 2006 G.O.

He filed a complaint with the Chennai Police which said it could not investigate the matter owing to various reasons.

Hence, he prayed the court for a direction to the CBI to investigate the cheating by the theatres.

Justice R.Mala adjourned the petition for further hearing on January 30.

The halls are collecting more than the charges fixed by the government