The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized restaurants and eateries for levying excessive service charges on customers, raising concerns over the lack of transparency in billing practices.

During a recent hearing, the court questioned why customers are forced to pay steep amounts for basic items. The judges remarked on instances where a bottle of water costing ₹20 was being charged at ₹100 in certain establishments, calling it an unfair burden on consumers.

The issue came up in response to multiple petitions and complaints filed against restaurants that routinely add service fees to bills without clearly informing customers. The court observed that such practices often leave diners with little choice but to pay inflated amounts.

Consumer rights groups have long argued that mandatory service charges are exploitative and violate fair trade norms. The High Court has asked authorities to explain how such charges are being regulated and whether clear guidelines exist to protect customers.

The matter has been listed for further hearing, with the court signaling that stricter rules may be needed to prevent eateries from taking undue advantage of diners.