In Brief
This case addresses whether cinema halls can prohibit moviegoers from bringing outside food and beverages into theatres. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir had granted relief in a public interest petition, directing theatre owners to allow outside food, reasoning it violated the right to choice of food and good health under Article 21. The Supreme Court set aside this direction, holding that cinema halls are private property where owners may determine conditions of entry as a commercial decision, similar to restaurants deciding their menu. Moviegoers retain full choice whether to purchase food once inside the theatre. The Court found the High Court exceeded its writ jurisdiction under Article 226, as no statutory rule requires cinema owners to permit outside food. The prohibition is neither unfair nor contrary to public interest, safety or welfare.
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