The Kerala State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission held that 3D glasses should be made available free of cost if the same is necessary for better viewing of 3D movies.
The consumer forum was hearing an appeal against a 2016 order passed by District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Trivendrum.
In the instant case, the theatre employees insisted the complainant to pay a charge of Rs. 30 for the 3D glasses, in addition to the movie ticket for a 3D film i.e., Rs. 50. The complainant carried his own 3D glasses for viewing the film, still he was asked to pay an additional charge of Rs. 30.
The complainant approached the District Consumer Forum and contended that the theatre’s act amounted to restrictive trade practices under the COPRA. The theatre officials submitted that no such request of viewing the film without purchasing the 3D glasses was brought before them.
The District Forum stated that the theatre may charge an additional amount from those who require the 3D glasses. The complainant did not consider this order and stated that it would not terminate the restrictive trade practice which is being carrying on by the several theatres and that they would continue to levy an additional charge without any hindrance.
The State Consumer Forum observed that if the theatres are allowed to charge the rent for 3D glasses, they would collect it depending upon their whims and fancies, which would result in exploitation of consumers.
The State Consumer Forum also held the compensation and punitive damages to be justified, which were imposed upon the respondent by the District Forum.
The forum also held that District Forum rightly found that the quality of 3D glasses was not proportional to the amount charged for it. The forum considered the act of providing low-quality glasses as “excessive exploitation of the consumers.”
The forum thus did not consider the appeal of respondent and held that 3D glasses are to be provided free of cost.
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