Malayalam actor Anusree created ripples on social media recently with a Facebook post about the bewilderingly high prices for food at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The actor complained about having to shell out a whopping Rs 680 for one coffee, one black tea and two puffs.
While the post inspired a number of internet memes and jokes, it also triggered serious discussions and at least one complaint to the state Human Rights Commission.
The Commission, acting on the complaint of a person named Sherin Kavadiyar, ordered an inquiry into the high prices at Kitchen Restaurant, the outlet where the actor purchased her food.
The Airport Director, the manager of Kitchen Restaurant, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, the Commissioner of Food Safety, and the Commissioner of Legal Metrology have all been asked to submit a report to the Commission on the issue within a month.
The order was issued by the Commission’s acting chairperson P Mohandas.
In his complaint to the commission, Sherin, President of Royal Kavadiyar Protection Forum, pointed out that Kitchen Restaurant does not provide rate cards to customers, and charges exorbitant rates that are not justified as the restaurant does not even have a star rating.
He also pointed out that the sheer lack of options for the passengers at the airport was forcing them to buy over-priced food items.
The case is scheduled to be heard on November 1.