Hotel Taj fined Rs 5,000 for overcharging

According to the complaint,Hardeep and his family went to the hotel on October 26,2009 and placed an order for Assam tea,cappuccino coffee and a plate of sprouts from the menu card provided to him.

He alleged that while the menu mentioned the rate for the sprout chaat as Rs 200,he was charged Rs 350. When he brought the matter to the notice of the manager,Hardeep alleged,he was insulted and to avoid further humiliation,he paid the total bill amount of Rs 731.

In their reply,the hotel denied the allegations and stated that while sprouts were available for Rs 200,the cost of ‘sprout chaat’ was Rs 350 and the complainant had ordered the latter.

The forum,while deciding the case in the favour of complainant,pointed out: “Sprouts for Rs 200 were available during breakfast from 7 am to 10.30 am whereas the ‘sprout chaat’ was available under the category of ‘salads’ from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm. The tax invoice shows that the bill was issued to the complainant at 11.07 am which means that the order had been placed by him prior to that.

The hotel has placed before us both the menus — one relating to breakfast and other for salads,soups and starters.

Each menu is on a separate sheet,rightly so because the breakfast menu would be provided to customers from 7 am to 10.30 am.

The question of giving to them the other menu containing the ‘sprout chaat’,which would be available only after 11.30 am,therefore,does not arise. We are,therefore,of the opinion that the complainant was provided only the breakfast menu from which he chose ‘sprouts’ which were available for Rs 200.”