A consumer commission in Kerala has ordered a cinema theater in Kasaragod to pay Rs 15,000 in compensation and Rs 3,000 in litigation costs to a moviegoer who was bitten by a rat during a film screening.
The bench, comprising President Krishnan K and member Beena KG, found the theater management guilty of a serious deficiency in service, ruling that cinema operators have an obligation to maintain a safe, secure, and hygienic environment for their patrons. The tribunal directed the venue to disburse the total amount within 30 days of receiving the order.
Evidentiary Findings
In its ruling, the commission relied on documentary proof submitted by the victim, including his cinema ticket, hospital prescription, and medical bills. The panel noted that the ticket verified his presence inside the theater, while the medical records established that he sought immediate hospital treatment and was advised to take a rabies vaccine along with a tetanus shot. The commission concluded that the incident caused the complainant substantial mental agony and financial expense.
Background of the Incident
According to the complainant, he was attending a 7:30 p.m. show alongside a friend when a rodent bit him shortly before the movie concluded. He reported the injury at the counter, but staff members failed to address the matter properly. After spending approximately Rs 1,500 on medical care, the theater manager paid him only Rs 1,000 and management ignored subsequent requests to cover remaining treatment costs, prompting the moviegoer to seek Rs 20,000 in compensation before the commission.
Defense Rejected by Panel
The theater management contested the claims, denying that the incident occurred and disputing whether the complainant had visited the premises on that date. Asserting that the establishment had operated for about nine years under clean and hygienic conditions without receiving similar complaints, the theater claimed no rat bite was reported at the counter. However, the panel rejected the defense based on the medical and ticketing records presented.
