Faridabad District Consumer Commission Holds Restaurant Liable For Refusing Free Drinking Water, Orders Refund And Compensation

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Faridabad, comprising Amit Arora (President) and Indira Bhadana (Member), has allowed a consumer complaint against a restaurant for failing to provide free drinking water to a customer. In Akash Sharma vs. M/S Garden Grills 2.0, the Commission held that compelling a customer to purchase bottled water amounted to deficiency in service. Brief Facts The complainant, Akash Sharma, visited the opposite party's restaurant, M/s Garden Grills 2.0, at Faridabad for dinner along with friends on June 18, 2025. Upon requesting drinking water, the restaurant staff refused to provide free potable water and instead insisted that the complainant purchase bottled water, stating that free water was not available for customers. Despite the complainant objecting to the practice and informing the staff and manager that compelling customers to buy bottled water was illegal and contrary to applicable guidelines, the restaurant allegedly remained adamant. Left with no alternative, the complainant purchased two bottles of “Dasani” packaged drinking water for ₹40 under compulsion. Alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practice, the complainant approached the District Consumer Commission seeking refund of the amount charged, compensation for mental agony, and directions to the restaurant to discontinue the practice. The opposite party did not appear before the Commission despite service of notice and was proceeded against ex parte. Observations & Decision of the Commission The Commission noted that the complainant had led unrebutted ex parte evidence, including his affidavit, the bill for the bottled water purchased, and proof of service of notice. In the absence of any appearance or contest by the opposite party, the allegations made by the complainant remained unchallenged. The Commission observed that there was no material on record to disbelieve the complainant's version and held that compelling customers to purchase bottled water instead of providing free drinking water amounted to deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act. Allowing the complaint, the District Consumer Commission directed the opposite party to: Refund ₹40 charged for the bottled water to the complainant; and Pay ₹3,000 as compensation for mental agony and harassment. The Commission clarified that no litigation costs were awarded since the complainant had pursued the case in person. Case Title: Akash Sharma vs. M/S Garden Grills 2.0 Case No.: Consumer Complaint No. 518/2025 Click Here To Read/Download Order

Faridabad District Consumer Commission Holds Restaurant Liable For Refusing Free Drinking Water, Orders Refund And Compensation

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