The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that cinema hall owners have the absolute right to prohibit outside food.

The statement further said, it had the absolute right to set their own terms and conditions when it comes to outside food and beverages inside the cinema halls.

"A cinema hall owner has the right to regulate the entry of food and beverage. A cinema hall is the private property of the owner and he has the right to set his own terms and conditions," SC stated.

However, the apex court said that all cinema halls must provide hygienic drinking water for free in the halls.

The news comes after SC was hearing a batch of appeals filed by theatre owners and the Multiplex Association of India challenging a 2018 verdict of the High Court.

The bench was heard by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha who gave the verdict on the matter.

"Suppose someone starts getting jalebis. The owner would not want anyone wiping their hands on the seats," the bench said.

The Top court also said that the "owners may not want tandoori chicken to be bought in," and at the same time said that no one forces the moviegoers to buy popcorn inside theatres. 

It said that the moviegoers have a choice whether to consume food and beverage or not.

"It is entirely the choice of the moviegoer. Viewers visit halls for entertainment," CJI Chandrachud remarked.

The Top court also stated that one must abide by the rules and regulations of the cinema hall and that it is not a gym where one needs healthy food.

 "The cinema hall is not a gym where you need healthy food. It is a place of entertainment. It is privately owned, so it is the owner's prerogative," the top court stated. 

It should be noted that the Jammu and Kashmir High Court's orders to multiplexes and movie theaters not to forbid moviegoers from bringing their own food and beverages into theatres were overruled by the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from ANI)