December 06, 2025 : The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Faridabad has held a restaurant guilty of deficiency in service for refusing to provide free drinking water to a customer and compelling him to purchase packaged water.
Allowing a consumer complaint filed by Akash Sharma against M/s Garden Grills 2.0, the Commission directed the restaurant to refund the amount charged for bottled water and awarded compensation for mental agony and harassment. The complaint was decided by a Bench comprising Amit Arora (President) and Indira Bhadana (Member).
According to the complainant, he visited the restaurant at Faridabad on June 18, 2025, for dinner along with his friends. While placing the food order, he requested drinking water from the staff. The waiter allegedly informed him that free drinking water was not available and that customers were required to purchase bottled water if they wanted water.
Despite the complainant objecting to this practice and informing the waiter and the manager that compelling customers to buy packaged water was illegal and contrary to applicable guidelines, the restaurant staff allegedly refused to provide free potable water. Left with no alternative, the complainant purchased two bottles of “Dasani” packaged drinking water for ₹40 under compulsion.
Aggrieved, the complainant approached the District Consumer Commission alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. He sought refund of the amount charged, compensation for mental agony, and directions to the restaurant to discontinue the practice of denying free drinking water.
The opposite party failed to appear before the Commission despite service of notice and was proceeded against ex parte by an order dated October 28, 2025. The complainant led ex parte evidence by filing his affidavit, the bill dated June 18, 2025 for the bottled water purchased, and proof of service of notice.
After examining the material on record, the Commission observed that there was nothing to disbelieve or discredit the unrebutted ex parte evidence led by the complainant. It noted that in the absence of any appearance or contest by the restaurant, the allegations made in the complaint remained unchallenged.
The Commission held that restaurants are obligated to provide clean drinking water to customers and cannot compel them to purchase packaged water. Forcing customers to buy bottled water instead of providing free potable drinking water was found to be contrary to law and established consumer protection norms, amounting to deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act.
Allowing the complaint, the District Consumer Commission directed the restaurant to refund ₹40 charged for the bottled water. It also awarded ₹3,000 as compensation for mental agony and harassment suffered by the complainant. No litigation costs were awarded since the complainant pursued the case in person. The restaurant was directed to comply with the order within 30 days from receipt of the copy of the order.
Cause Title: Akash Sharma vs. M/s Garden Grills 2.0
Case No.: Consumer Complaint No. 518/2025
Date of Order: December 5, 2025
