In a recently filed complaint, a woman named Ridhina Nagwekar from Mumbai filed a complaint with the officials regarding the service charge which she was forced to pay. The complaint mentioned that Mahim-based Thangabali restaurant compelled the lady to pay INR 75.30 as service charge during her visit last year and keeping the same in mind, the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued a notice to the restaurant against the damages.
The resident from Prabhadevi filed the complaint through her advocate Prashant Nayak. A copy of the bill worth INR 1,393 which included the service charge of INR 75.30 was also submitted by her. Reports stated that she visited Thangabali on January 30, 2021, and after noticing the service charge, she raised complaints with the restaurant manager. Despite the argument that the same needn’t be paid on a mandatory basis (as per the law), she was forced to pay the amount.
Reports state that a compensation of INR 2 lakhs and a refund of Rs. 75.30 has been demanded against the mental stress and litigation expenses which she had to bear. Keeping the notice in mind, the restaurant has been asked to file the response. The consumer panel heard the arguments filed as per the Consumer Protection Act.
As per law, the restaurant is not supposed to impose the service charge mandatorily on the customer. Charges can be given by the customers voluntary as a tip, however, it cannot be included as a fixed component in the bill. Customers can give the same as per their discretion based on the experience and service.
Calling it ‘deficiency in service,’ the complaint also stated that both the restaurant, Thangabali, and the manager were responsible for ‘unfair trade practices’ as they forcefully imposed the charges on her.
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