Neha Nagar Instagram – Adding service charge to your restaurant bill by default is now a clear violation of consumer law.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has taken action against 27 restaurants, and the Delhi High Court has upheld that mandatory service charge is illegal. What this really means is simple: service charge is completely optional. You can choose to pay it. No one can force you.
The official guidelines clearly state:
• No hotel or restaurant can add service charge automatically or by default
• It cannot be collected under any other name
• Customers must be clearly informed that it is voluntary
• No denial of entry or service if you refuse to pay
• Service charge cannot be added and then subjected to GST
Penalties of up to ₹50,000 have already been imposed. In some cases, restaurants were ordered to refund customers and even modify their billing software to remove automatic charges.
If a restaurant forces you to pay service charge, you can file a complaint through the National Consumer Helpline App or call 1915. Always keep your invoice as proof.
Next time you dine out, check your bill carefully.
Service charge is your choice, not the restaurant’s decision.
Save this post. Share it. Stay aware. | Posted on 16/Feb/2026 17:18:45
