States » SouthPosted at: Nov 6 2026 6:50PM


Baby’s medicines, water and orange barred at theatre: Commission orders probe

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 6 (UNI) The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a three-month police investigation into the practice of cinema theatres prohibiting audiences from carrying outside food and beverages, following a complaint that a family was denied entry with medicines, drinking water and an orange for their eight-month-old baby.
Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas directed the Superintendent of Police attached to the Commission's investigation wing to investigate the alleged incident and examine whether such restrictions are being imposed routinely by cinema theatres.
The probe will cover the theatre complex at Overbridge in Thiruvananthapuram, where the incident allegedly occurred, besides five or six other prominent theatres in the state capital and cinema halls owned by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.
A key aspect of the investigation will be the pricing policy of theatre cafeterias. The SP has been asked to compare the prices of refreshments sold inside theatres with prevailing market rates and examine the allegation that audiences are allowed to carry only items purchased from the theatre's own cafeteria.
The Commission has also sought an examination of the justification for banning outside food on the grounds that its leftovers could create waste inside theatres. The investigating officer has been asked to ascertain how food waste generated from cafeteria purchases is disposed of and who is responsible for its removal.
The officer has been directed to record the statements of the theatre manager and security personnel accused of misbehaving with the complainant. The report should be submitted within three months.
Justice Alexander Thomas said the practice of preventing moviegoers from carrying outside refreshments required detailed scrutiny.
The Commission also took exception to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation's report claiming that it had no authority over cinema theatres. Pointing out that the civic body issues licences to theatres and collects entertainment tax, the Commission said municipal officials should take citizens' rights into account while dealing with complaints concerning cinema halls.
The complaint relates to an incident on November 10, 2025, when Akhil B Shaji and his family from Thirupuram in Neyyattinkara were allegedly stopped from taking medicines, water and an orange intended for their eight-month-old baby inside a cinema theatre.
UNI DS
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