Following complaints of exorbitant pricing of packaged eatables and drinks in cinema halls and multiplexes, the Delhi government has initiated action in about 12 cases after conducting surprise inspections in and around 14 cineplexes, an official release said.

The inspections by the Weights and Measures Department followed directions from the Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain of alleged overcharging in violation of Packaged Commodity Rules (PCR) on packaged eatables/drinks, such as biscuits, popcorn, aerated bottled water, chips, etc.

The Weights & Measures Department also informed that it undertook 321 inspections and booked 223 cases in February for necessary action as per law against the units found indulging in violation of the Packaged Commodity Rules.

Overcharging means a consumer is charged more than the maximum retail price, the release said, adding that for the offence, the retailer is 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 ₹ 2,000. If the offender refuses to pay compounding fees, he is prosecuted in the court, which attracts a penalty of up to ₹ 25,000.