CHENNAI: Chennai city police have booked cases against at least 25 theatres for screening Vijay-starrer “Master” for not adhering to the 50% occupancy norm, which is in force due to the pandemic.
The movie opened on Wednesday and Thursday in the city.
Police said they would recommend initiating action against these theatres for violating government norms. An officer said, “We had instructed all subordinate officers to conduct random checks at theatres to check if they are strictly adhering to the rules.”
A special team of policemen kept a tab on social media to track and find if theatres were following the . the 50% occupancy norm. Based on a specific tip, a police team of the MGR Nagar police station visited theatres in their jurisdiction and found 100% occupancy in its 11 am show.
The investigating officer said that they had found a few more theatres including those in Chromepet, Kilpauk, Washermenpet, Villivakkam and a few other places violating the occupancy norm. In many instances, police used video clips uploaded by ardent Vijay fans on social media as proof.
Cases have been registered against the managers of these theatres under IPC sections 188 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 269 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant). All theatres have been fined Rs 5,000 each.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cases-filed-against-25-theatres-in-chennai-for-violating-occupancy-rule/articleshow/80295945.cms
