Nalgonda: Consumer panel fines Hotel Tulips Grand ₹30k for charging ₹38 extra for water bottles

Hyderabad: Nalgonda District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Hotel Tulips Grand at Turkayamjal to pay Rs. 30,000 compensation to a consumer for charging Rs. 38 extra for two water bottles.

The consumer commission citing a judgment said that if the economy does not permit to sell mineral bottles at printed MRP, then it should stop selling such products from its counter.

“Appellant is not allowed to charge money beyond printed MRP of a mineral water bottle,” said the commission.

The case

In June 2022, Mantha Aashish and his family decided to have lunch at Hotel Tulips Grand in Nalgonda. They ordered food and two bottles of mineral water from the hotel staff. After enjoying their meal, they were handed a bill totaling Rs. 1,583 including CGST and SGST.

However, to their surprise, the hotel charged them Rs. 78 for the two water bottles instead of the actual MRP of Rs. 20 per bottle.

Ashish requested the hotel to charge them the printed MRP as mentioned on the label affixed to the bottles. Unfortunately, the hotel refused to comply and instead provided evasive replies and even threatened Ashish.

Frustrated by this unfair treatment, Ashish decided to take the matter to the Nalgonda District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Hotel response

During the proceedings, the hotel argued that the extra charge was justified because they provided additional amenities and facilities, such as a pleasant dining atmosphere and cooling the water bottles in a refrigerator. They claimed that these services warranted a higher price.

“We have charged more than the bill, in view of extra amenities, and facilities provided by the hotel, such as ambiance for enjoying the food and also cooling the water bottles in the refrigerator. As such, the complainant and others were provided the same and charged for the said provisions that AC and also providing accommodation for the customers.” said the hotel.

Commission’s observation

However, the commission cited a previous ruling in a similar case, where it was stated that if the economy did not permit selling mineral water bottles at the printed MRP, the hotel should refrain from selling such products altogether.

The commission noted that the hotel had charged Rs. 19 more than the MRP for the water bottles, which constituted an unfair trade practice.

The commission found the hotel's arguments unsubstantiated, as they failed to provide any evidence to support their claims. Consequently, the commission concluded that the hotel had engaged in unfair trade practices by overcharging for the mineral water bottles.

As a result, the commission ordered the hotel to refund the excessive amount of Rs. 38 charged for the two water bottles. Additionally, they directed the hotel to pay a compensation of Rs. 30,000 to Aashish, along with Rs. 5,000 as litigation costs.