"Why Order From Non-Veg Outlet?": Mumbai Consumer Court Rejects Complaint By Strict Vegetarians (image-X/Wowmomo4u)

Mumbai, Maharashtra: A consumer forum in Mumbai has dismissed a complaint filed by two individuals who alleged they were mistakenly served non-vegetarian food at a restaurant despite requesting vegetarian items, stating that a “prudent person” should be able to distinguish between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food before consuming it. 

In an order passed last month, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mumbai Suburban (Additional), ruled in favour of Wow Momo Foods, which was accused of serving chicken momo instead of vegetarian ones to two strictly vegetarian customers in December 2020.  

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The commission also questioned the prudence of ordering from a restaurant that serves both veg and non-veg food if the complainants’ religious sentiments were so deeply tied to dietary restrictions. 

“If the complainants were strictly vegetarian and non-veg food hurts their religious sentiments, then why did they opt to order the food items from a restaurant delivering both non-veg and vegetarian food, instead of ordering instead of ordering the food from the restaurant which was exclusively vegetarian and served only and only vegetarian food,”  the commission stated. 

The complainants claimed to have ordered a vegetarian “Darjeeling momo combo” from a Wow Momos outlet in Sion, Mumbai, on December 19, 2020. They claimed to have emphasised their preference twice. However, they alleged that the outlet delivered steamed “chicken Darjeeling momo” instead, causing them emotional distress, mental trauma, and religious hurt. They sought Rs 6 lakh in compensation. 

The company refuted the allegations, stating that the invoice clearly indicated the complainants had ordered non-vegetarian momo. It also alleged that the complainants created a nuisance and abused staff, after which the company refunded the money and provided the items free of cost. A goodwill gift voucher worth Rs 1,200 was also offered, but the complainants instead demanded Rs 3 lakh each. 

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The commission found no deficiency in service. It noted that while the menu board could have been clearer, it did indicate that both veg and non-veg options were available. The complainants were unable to provide any evidence showing their religious practices were affected or that they suffered quantifiable damages. 

Dismissing the complaint, the commission concluded that the case lacked merit and appeared to be filed with “malafide intentions to harass the company.”