Restaurant Ordered to Compensate for Malfunctioning AC During Birthday Bash

A consumer commission ordered a restaurant to compensate a client due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system during a birthday party. The commission deemed air conditioning an 'essential component' of the venue, leading to a compensation of Rs 22,557 plus interest and additional damages for mental agony and legal expenses.

A consumer commission recently directed a restaurant to pay compensation for a malfunctioning air conditioning system during a birthday party, declaring air conditioning an 'essential component' of venue bookings.

The Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Suburban) ordered the establishment to pay Rs 22,557 for the service deficiency plus six per cent interest annually from August 2024. An additional Rs 10,000 was awarded for mental distress and Rs 5,000 for legal expenses.

The complaint arose from a July 2024 event at the restaurant's banquet hall, where an AC failure led to guest discomfort and embarrassment, prompting several attendees to leave. Despite receiving notices, the restaurant management did not appear before the commission, which emphasized air conditioning's role in the service package, ordering compliance within 45 days.