Service Charge Rule: DM, CCPA gave instructions to rein in restaurant owners who charge service charges.

The CCPA has taken strict action after complaints about charging service charges in some restaurants despite the CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) issuing clear instructions not to charge service charges. On behalf of the CCPA, it has been written to the Chief Secretaries of the states that they should give clear instructions to the collectors of the districts to ensure that the guidelines issued by the regulator are followed. So that the violators of the rules can be stopped. A senior central government official has given information about this on Thursday.

A senior official of the government has also been told that on behalf of the CCPA, a separate letter will also be written to the district magistrates asking them to take action under the Consumer Protection Act against the restaurant owners who violate the rules related to service charge.

Talking to news agency PTI, a senior government official has also said that the Consumer Commission will also start cracking down on those who violate the instructions in this matter as the request letter regarding service tax has not been issued by the CCPA. Rather clear guidelines have been issued. Which should be ensured at all times. The District Collectors must definitely ensure that action is taken against the violators.

The senior official has also said that it has been told in the new guidelines that if any restaurant owner violates the new guidelines, then the customer can file a complaint against him in writing or in electronic mode with the district collector. The District Collector will be competent to investigate such cases and send the report to the CCPA.

Let us tell you that in the guideline issued by the CCPA on July 4 regarding service charge, it has been clearly stated that the restaurant cannot force the customer to pay the service charge under any circumstances. It has also been told in this guideline that if the restaurant does not follow the rules, then how to complain to the consumer?

In a letter sent by the CCPA to the Chief Secretaries of the states, it has been asked to ensure the protection of the rights of consumers under the new guidelines.