The Central Consumer Protection Authority directed hotels and restaurants not to impose LPG or fuel surcharges by default, calling it unfair trade. The regulator clarified such input costs must be included in menu prices, not charged separately to customers.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined China Gate Restaurant Private Limited Rs 50,000 for adding service charges by default at its Bora Bora outlets in Mumbai. The CCPA held the practice illegal and ordered the restaurant to change its billing system and ensure proper consumer grievance redressal.
Today, On 28th March, The Delhi High Court ruled that service charges on food bills are voluntary and cannot be imposed mandatorily by restaurants. The court emphasized that customers have the right to choose whether to pay the charge. It rejected any practice of forcing diners to bear additional costs. This decision reinforces consumer rights in the hospitality sector.
The Karnataka High Court upheld a directive for Ola Electric to submit additional documents for a CCPA investigation, prompted by over 10,000 consumer complaints about potential violations. The Court confirmed the investigating officer’s authority and dismissed concerns of reputational harm, emphasizing the investigation’s consumer protection focus and the validity of the officer’s request.
Ola Electric received a show-cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on October 7 due to numerous consumer complaints, primarily about service delays and vehicle defects. The company has 15 days to respond and address these grievances, facing heightened scrutiny over its service practices and product reliability.