09-06-2025
'Why Order From A Place That Serves Non-Veg Too?': Consumer Court Sides With 'Wow Momo'
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On December 19, 2020, two customers at Wow Momo in Sion claimed they ordered vegetarian 'Darjeeling Momos' but were served chicken momos despite twice specifying veg
A consumer dispute redressal commission in Mumbai ruled that if non-vegetarian food hurts the religious sentiments of a vegetarian, they should avoid places serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
The Mumbai Suburban (Additional) District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission addressed a complaint where two individuals claimed they were served non-vegetarian dishes despite ordering vegetarian food at a restaurant.
The commission stated that 'a reasonable person can differentiate between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food before consuming it."
'If the complainant is a vegetarian and his religious sentiments are hurt by non-vegetarian food, then why did he choose a restaurant where both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was available instead of ordering from a restaurant serving only vegetarian food," it added.
On December 19, 2020, the complainants reportedly visited the 'Wow Momo' restaurant in Sion, Mumbai, where they ordered a soft drink and steamed 'Darjeeling Momos.' They asserted that they had specified their vegetarian preference twice but were served steamed 'Chicken Darjeeling Momos' instead.
The complainants alleged that the restaurant staff ignored their requests and that vegetarian and non-vegetarian options were not clearly indicated on the restaurant's 'board'. As a result, they sought compensation of Rs 6 lakh for mental stress, emotional distress and harm to religious sentiments.
The company defended itself by stating that the complainants had indeed ordered non-vegetarian momos, as reflected in the bill. The company also claimed that the complainants behaved inappropriately with the staff and caused a disturbance, leading to a refund and free food being offered.
Additionally, the company provided a voucher worth Rs 1,200 as a goodwill gesture, but the complainants demanded Rs 3 lakh. The company alleged that the complaint was intended to harass them.
First Published:
June 09, 2025, 13:52 IST
