Hyderabad, 8 July
Restaurant Fined ₹25000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP
A consumer court in Hyderabad has imposed a Rs 25,000 penalty on a restaurant in LB Nagar for charging a customer more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for bottled drinking water. The court ruled that the act amounted to deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice under consumer protection laws.
According to a report by News Meter, the complainant, JC Jeevan Kumar, a resident of Kamalanagar, visited Amaravathi Restaurant along with his family and friends on January 2, 2025.
After the meal, Kumar noticed that the restaurant had charged Rs 3 extra for two bottles of drinking water, exceeding the printed MRP. When he questioned the staff about the additional charge, they allegedly responded dismissively instead of addressing his concern. Restaurant Fined ₹25,000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP.
Customer Approaches Consumer Commission; Restaurant Fined ₹25000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP
Unhappy with the restaurant’s response, Kumar filed a complaint before the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, seeking action against the establishment. Restaurant Fined ₹25,000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP.
After examining the case, the commission observed that charging above the MRP for packaged drinking water constituted an unfair trade practice and reflected a deficiency in service provided to the customer.
Court Orders Rs 25,000 Compensation
The consumer commission directed the restaurant to pay a total of Rs 25,000 to the complainant.
The compensation includes:
- Rs 20,000 for the mental agony and inconvenience caused to the customer.
- Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses incurred while pursuing the case.
The ruling reinforces consumer rights and serves as a reminder that commercial establishments cannot charge more than the printed MRP for packaged goods unless permitted under specific legal provisions. Restaurant Fined ₹25000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP.
Consumer Rights Against Overcharging
Under India’s consumer protection laws, businesses are generally prohibited from charging customers more than the printed MRP on packaged commodities. Consumers who encounter such instances can preserve the purchase bill and file a complaint with the appropriate consumer commission or authorities. Restaurant Fined ₹25000 for Selling Water Bottles Above MRP.
The latest order highlights the importance of consumer awareness and accountability, encouraging customers to report unfair trade practices whenever they occur.