Consumer Court Published & Fact-Checked 1 Sept 2026

Can restaurants compulsorily levy a Service Charge on food bills in India?

Verified Legal Answer • Reviewed by Hire Your Vakeel Legal Panel (Updated for 2026 / BNS & BNSS)

No. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and Delhi High Court guidelines clarify that Service Charge is completely voluntary. Restaurants cannot automatically add it to bills or deny entry to customers who refuse to pay it. Consumers can lodge complaints via the National Consumer Helpline (1915).

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