If Non-Veg Food Hurts Religious Sentiments, Why Should Vegetarian Order From Restaurant Serving Non-Veg? Mumbai Consumer Court

The Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission dismissed a complaint filed by a vegetarian who was allegedly served non-vegetarian food, questioning why they chose to order from an eatery that serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items if their religious sentiments were so strong. The commission pointed out that a prudent person could distinguish between the food types and that the restaurant's menu did indicate it served both options. The complainants failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove they were served non-veg food or that their subsequent religious ceremonies were thwarted. The restaurant argued that the complainants had created a nuisance and were refunded their money as a goodwill gesture. The commission's decision suggests a shared responsibility on the part of the consumer, especially those with strict dietary preferences, to be cautious when choosing a restaurant, thereby dismissing the claim for compensation on the grounds of hurt religious sentiments.