CCPA Issues Notices to 5 Delhi Restaurants for Failing to Refund Service Charges

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent legal notices to five restaurants in Delhi for not returning service charges to customers. These restaurants added service charges to bills without asking for customer consent, and then refused to refund the amount when customers objected.

The CCPA took action after receiving several complaints from diners. Many customers said that the restaurants forced them to pay service charges, even though government rules say customers can choose whether or not to pay. By ignoring this rule, the restaurants violated consumer rights.

Officials from the CCPA investigated the complaints. They checked the bills, spoke to customers, and reviewed how the restaurants handled the charges. After confirming the violations, the authority sent notices to the restaurant owners and asked them to explain their actions.

According to the guidelines set by the Department of Consumer Affairs, restaurants must inform customers that service charges are optional. They cannot include the charge in the bill by default. If a customer refuses to pay, the restaurant must remove the charge. The rules also say that any amount collected unfairly must be refunded.

The CCPA has asked the restaurants to respond within a specific time. If the restaurants fail to give a proper explanation or continue to break the rules, the authority may take stronger legal steps, including imposing penalties.

Consumer rights groups have welcomed the action. They said many restaurants mislead customers by adding fixed service charges and refusing to remove them. The groups urged other customers to report such practices and demand refunds when necessary.

The CCPA said it will continue to monitor restaurants across the country. It also plans to raise awareness among consumers about their rights. The authority wants all businesses to treat customers fairly and follow the law.

This action by the CCPA sends a strong message to restaurants that they must respect consumer rights and follow government rules.