Hyderabad Restaurant Fined Rs 5,000 For Refusing To Serve Free Drinking Water

Restaurants and cafes have recently begun to charge extra for water bottles provided to clients. While many customers are accustomed to receiving free services, pricing for packaged drinking water has sparked controversy.?

What happened at a restaurant in Hyderabad??

ITLU in Hyderabad, Telangana | Image: Google Maps

A client recently earned Rs 5,000 as compensation from a Hyderabad-based restaurant for failing to give free drinking water and imposing necessary service charges.?

According to reports, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III in Hyderabad directed the restaurant to reimburse the customer within 45 days of the ruling.

Why did the customer file a complaint??

According to MoneyControl, the complainant, a Secunderabad resident, detailed an incident that took place at the ITLU restaurant in CBI colony some time ago.?

The restaurant left the customer with no alternative but to purchase the restaurant's own branded water | Image Pexels

According to reports, due to the late hour and limited options, the individual had little choice but to dine at the institution. Despite seeking ordinary water due to a plastic allergy, the staff reportedly refused, leaving the customer with no alternative but to purchase the restaurant's own branded 500-ml water bottle, which costs Rs 50.

However, the drama did not end with serving packaged drinking water. The final bill exacerbated the situation.?

According to reports, the restaurant levied Rs 31.50 in service charges on a bill totaling Rs 630 for two courses and a bottle of water. They also charged a 5% CGST and SGST on the water bottle and the service charge, bringing the total bill to Rs 695.?

How did the court deal with the case?

While releasing its final verdict, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III requested that the eatery reimburse the service charge and GST, which totaled around Rs 33.

The restaurant was instructed to refund the aggrieved consumer Rs 5,000 | Image: Pexels

Furthermore, the restaurant was instructed to refund the aggrieved consumer Rs 5,000 and cover Rs 1,000 in litigation costs within 45 days, beginning after March 22.?

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