District consumer forum fines restaurant for overcharging

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 21

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed a bar to refund to a local resident Rs 49 charged in excess for a mineral water bottle whose maximum retail price (MRP) was Rs 20. Besides, the firm will have to pay a compensation of Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,000 as litigation expenses to the complainant.

A resident of Ranjit Avenue had filed a complaint against Stars N Bars located in the same area, stating that he had a lunch there on July 8 last year. While paying the bill, he noticed that a mineral water bottle with an MRP of Rs 20 only was charged for Rs 69.

The opposite party, in its reply, stated that they had not only provided food to the customer, but also ambiance, air conditioned environment, fine crockery, furniture, waiters, cleaning and music among other things, so they had a right to charge for these additional services.

The reply further stated that the prices of food, beverages, water were mentioned on the menu card and the complainant was at liberty to eat food and consume beverages or not after verifying the prices. It stated that as the mineral water bottle was refrigerated and chilled, they had a right to charge higher price.

The forum stated that the opposite party had not produced any evidence to prove the above said fact that it can charge more than the MRP on account of providing more services. The forum stated that from the perusal of the record, it becomes evident that the opposite party has indulged in gross unfair trade practice as well as deficiency in service.

It is worth mentioning here that overcharging at various outlets, even at the railway station, is a common sight in the city.