Forced Service Charge by Restaurant & GST Thereon is Unfair Trade Practice: CCPA Delhi

In re China Gate Restaurant Private Limited (CCPA Delhi) Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took suo motu cognizance of a consumer grievance registered on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) on 27 April 2025 alleging mandatory levy of 10% service charge, refusal to remove it on request, misbehaviour by staff, and charging of GST on the service charge. The consumer supported the complaint with a bill dated 19 April 2025 showing separate service charges on food and alcohol, along with GST on the service charge component. The CCPA noted that the Delhi High Court, by judgment dated 28 M...