Delhi HC stays CCPA norms, says paying service charge a matter of choice

No such charge on takeaway orders: Court

Staying the guidelines issued by Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) saying that restaurants and hotels cannot levy service charges by default on food bills, the Delhi High Court said paying the charge is a matter of choice.

“If you don’t want to pay, don’t enter the restaurant. It is a matter of choice,” Justice Yashwant Varma remarked.

The court also said there will be no service charge on takeaway food orders.

However, food outlets should display that they are levying such charges clearly on their menus so that customers know, the court said.

The order was passed on a petition by the National Restaurant