Rs 5000 Penalty Imposed on Restaurant for not Giving Free Water

Digital Desk: In a recent incident at a Hyderabad restaurant, a customer's request for complimentary regular water due to a plastic allergy was denied, leading to a ₹5,000 compensation ruling by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III. 

The customer, recounting his experience at ITLU restaurant, highlighted being forced to purchase a 500ml water bottle for ₹50 after being refused free water. Moreover, the restaurant added service charges of ₹31.50 and 5% CGST and SGST, inflating the bill to ₹695.

The commission's directive included refunding the service charge and GST, along with compensating the customer ₹5,000 within 45 days.

Additionally, the restaurant was instructed to cover litigation costs of ₹1,000. This ruling aligns with the Telangana government's mandate from last year, requiring establishments under GHMC's jurisdiction to offer free purified water and sell bottled water at MRP.