If non-veg food hurts religious sentiments, why order from restaurant that serves it? Mumbai consumer court

The Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission dismissed a complaint filed by a vegetarian customer who was allegedly served non-vegetarian food by a restaurant. In its pragmatic ruling, the commission questioned why an individual with strong religious sentiments would choose to order from an establishment that openly serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The bench suggested that a degree of caution is expected from consumers with strict dietary preferences. The restaurant had argued that the customer created a nuisance and was given a refund as a goodwill gesture. The commission found that the complainant failed to provide sufficient proof of being served the wrong food or of any consequent damages. This decision places a shared responsibility on the consumer to be diligent when making choices that align with their personal or religious beliefs, particularly when viable alternatives are available, thereby limiting the scope for such complaints.