Ahmedabad: A city-based lawyer has issued a legal notice to PVR INOX Ltd, questioning the multiplex chain’s refusal to accept cash payments at its cinema hall in Ahmedabad. He also sought legal clarification on “cashless-only” policy, particularly insisting on payment through UPI.In his notice to PVR INOX at Palladium Mall, advocate Utkarsh Dave mentioned how he was compelled to make a UPI payment for a movie ticket, and food and beverages when he went to watch a film on Sept 13. The staff allegedly refused to accept payment in cash.The notice states that the objection was not to the availability of UPI or card payments, but to what it describes as a compulsory denial of cash, leaving customers with no choice. The notice references section 26(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 on RBI-issued banknotes as legal tender and argues that a blanket refusal of cash in a consumer-facing business raises issues of transparency, fairness and disclosure.The lawyer referred to provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and has sought details on whether PVR INOX has formally adopted a cashless-only policy and, if so, whether it was prominently disclosed to customers before they attempted to make purchases. “If PVR INOX has consciously adopted such a restrictive policy, the same ought to be prominently displayed at the relevant points of sale and communicated to consumers in advance. A customer cannot reasonably be expected to discover the existence of such a policy only after reaching the counter and tendering cash,” the notice reads.The notice also asks the company to provide copies of any written instructions or policies directing employees not to accept cash.The advocate has further called upon the multiplex chain to explain what alternative arrangements exist for consumers who do not possess a smartphone, UPI facility, internet connectivity or any other digital means of payment. “In particular, PVR INOX is required to explain whether such consumers would simply be denied the opportunity to purchase the service despite being ready and willing to make payment in lawful currency.”The notice seeks a response within seven days, failing which the advocate has stated that he may pursue remedies before a consumer commission and other appropriate authorities.
