Consumer court fines BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas for unauthorised 'internet handling fees'

A consumer court has fined BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas based on a complaint filed by a Hyderabad resident.

In response to the complaint, the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has levied a file of Rs 5,000 for charging unauthorised service fees titled 'Internet handling fees' in a ticket sale. Other than the fine, PVR Cinemas and BookMyShow were also asked to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation to the complainant, and an additional amount of Rs 1,000 to compensate the legal expenses of the litigant.

Earlier, the resident, who is the founder of the Forum Against Corruption, had filed an RTI plea with the RBI and IT Ministry asking if such authorization was given to BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas. Based on the response, the Forum Against Corruption moved the Hyderabad consumer court.

The court also ordered the companies to not more than Rs 6 as 'internet handling fees' for a ticket in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.