Selling above MRP: Rangareddy Legal Metrology books Viceroy Family Restaurant

Hyderabad: Legal Metrology has booked a case against Viceroy Family Restaurant, Tukuguda, for selling bottled water and soft drinks above the MRP (Maximum Retail Price). Acting upon a complaint filed by a consumer rights activist, the Rangareddy Legal Metrology department registered a case against the restaurant on November 8. However, no fine has been imposed on the restaurant yet.

The authorities found that the hotel violated rule 18 (2) of the Telangana State Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. As per this rule, the violator will be punished with a fine of Rs 2,000 for the “sale of any commodity in the packed form at a price exceeding the Maximum Retail Price”.

The complainant, Galibe Vishal, on his visit to the restaurant on November 3, noticed that the restaurant was charging Rs 25 for a mineral water bottle whose original price is Rs 20. The hotel also charged an extra Rs 10 for a cold drink that costs Rs 90 as per MRP. The very same day, he filed an e-complaint with the Legal Metrology department, following which a case was registered.

Never pay more than MRP. Viceroy Family Restaurant, booked for selling more than MRP on beverages. @CitizensForHyd @TSConsumers @TOIHyderabad @DeccanChronicle @NGOKYR @anusha_puppala @CoreenaSuares2 @DonitaJose @IPS_TEJA @TSConsumers @HiHyderabad @SYWShyderbad @Paul_Oommen pic.twitter.com/gDhPJrG0AP

— Galibe vishal (@Galibe_vishal) November 15, 2019

Speaking to NewsMeter, Vishal said, “In Hyderabad, this is a common practice in many restaurants, bars and hotels. It is a major consumer issue. Besides, in this matter, only a case has been registered. The officer has not fined the restaurant yet. He is saying that higher authorities will take necessary action.”

Upon asking whether this issue was initially brought into the notice of hotel authorities, the complainant replied that he had asked the hotel management about it. Still, they refused to pay any heed to it. “The bill does not have any GST number as well,” Vishal noted.

In Hyderabad, a slew of consumer complaints is being registered against hotels and restaurants for the past few weeks. On October 21, three cases were booked against The Waterfront Restaurant for selling energy drinks at a price higher than MRP.