Man sues hotel for 40 paise overcharge, court fines him Rs 4,000 in turn

An elderly man had sued a hotel in Bengalure stating that they had charged him 40 paise extra and this happened when the court addressed this case.

Murthy, an elderly man from Bangalore, had visited Hotel Empire on Central Street in May 2021. The food parcel he bought there was worth Rs 264.60, including the tax. The restaurant employee collected Rs. 265 from him.

Outraged by this act, he argued with the staff that he had been charged 40 paise more. No matter how much the staff tried to compromise, he was not at peace. Murthy, at last, filed a case at the Consumer's Court.

The trial of this case has been going on for more than 8 months and now the verdict has been released. Earlier, Murthy had appeared directly in the case. Senior lawyers appeared on behalf of the restaurant. Attorneys argued that Section 170 of the Income Tax Act 2017 allows for the full (round-off) collection of tax on an item.

The judge ruled in the case, citing a circular from the federal government. If the bill amount is less than 50 paise, the companies concerned will have to reduce it. The judge said in the circular that if it is more than 50 paise, companies can round it up and get it for the next full rupee.

Further, the court held that the petitioner had filed the case on the ground of self-promotion. Following this, Murthy was fined Rs 2,000 for restaurant management and Rs 2,000 for wasting court time, a total of Rs 4,000. The judge also ordered that the amount should be paid within 30 days.