Chicken burger in veg order: Domino’s fined Rs 25,897

Sonipat: A consumer court in Haryana's Sonipat has directed Domino's to pay compensation to a student after a non-vegetarian burger was allegedly delivered in place of a vegetarian order during the final day of Chaitra Navratri fasting.

The case arose from an order placed by a student of Jindal Global University, who had purchased a vegetarian burger meal from a Domino's outlet. According to the complaint, the package contained a non-vegetarian burger instead of the food that had been ordered.

The student told the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission that he follows a strict vegetarian lifestyle and religious practices associated with Sanatan Dharma. He also informed the forum that the incident occurred on Dashami, the concluding day of a nine-day Navratri fast, causing distress and hurting his religious sentiments.

After examining the matter, the commission headed by Vijay Singh held the company responsible for the lapse. The forum ordered Domino's to pay compensation of ₹25,500 to the student and also refund the ₹397 paid for the burger.

While ruling in favour of the complainant, the commission also made observations regarding consumer responsibility. It noted that individuals who attach significant importance to religious dietary practices and consume only vegetarian food should exercise additional caution when ordering from outlets that prepare and sell both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.

The commission further observed that consumers can verify whether the food supplied to them matches their order before consumption. The order came in response to the student's complaint that the incorrect delivery had violated the sanctity of his religious observance during the festival period.