Green Bawarchi and Meridian restaurant booked by Legal Metrology

Hyderabad: A case has been registered against Green Bawarchi and Meridian Restaurant in Hyderabad for violating rules of Legal Metrology. The Forum Against Corruption (FAC) filed a complaint against both restaurants for allegedly charging more than the standard price.

In their complaint, they stated that Green Bawarchi is charging Rs 30 for Rs 25 Thums Up bottle. Sai Teja, a member of FAC, said, “When we questioned this practice, the hotel authorities replied that the extra money is for cooling charges. This practice is quite rampant in the city.”

Based on the complaint, the Legal Metrology Department inspected Hotel Green Bawarchi in Krishna Nagar and Meridian in Punjagutta on September 24. The department filed cases against them for flouting rules and regulations.

“The subjected hotels need to be booked for the violation of Section 18 (2) of Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Also, the restaurant is not providing a bill after purchase, making it difficult for consumers to levy any complaint against them. Bills are a basic right,” Sai Teja added.

The Meridian restaurant is booked for the violation of the section mentioned above. According to FAC, the restaurant charges Rs 30 for a one-litre water bottle, whereas the standard rate is only Rs 20. Moreover, they are also levying GST on top of MRP, the group alleged.

“MRP should be inclusive of GST. However, the hotel charges GST on the MRP, violating both Legal Metrology and GST rules. We request the consumers to start questioning such practices. Else, they will end up being the victim. We must first raise our voice to make the required changes in society,” said Sai Teja.