Chandigarh, Sept. 12 -- Forcing a consumer to pay service charge despite objection amounts to unfair trade practice and deficiency in service, the district consumer disputes redressal commission stated while directing One 8 Commune, a restaurant in Mohali, to refund Rs.531 along with 9% annual interest.

The commission also directed the restaurant to pay Rs.5,000 to the consumer as compensation for mental agony, harassment and litigation expenses.

Complainant Ravi Inder Singh, a resident of Chandigarh, said that he had visited the restaurant with his family for dinner on April 20, 2025. He was billed Rs.6,284, including a 10% service charge. Singh objected to the levy and asked the restaurant manager to remove it, but the latter refused,...