The Delhi High Court last week accepted McDonald’s argument that its establishments could round off bills to the nearest rupee. This in accordance with statutory circulars, notifications and guidelines.
In a 2007 circular, Reserve Bank of India had directed nationalised banks that all transactions, including payment of interest should be rounded off to the nearest rupee. The high court noted this while disposing of the appeal of McDonalds against the ruling of the National Consumer Commission.
This particular case arose because a consumer bought food from the brand which cost INR 52.50. But the restaurant rounded it off to INR 53. This was challenged in the consumer forum which subsequently ordered the restaurant to return INR the 50 paise, along with INR 3,000 for mental agony and INR 1,500 as litigation cost.
The consumer commission dismissed the appeal of the firm as it was a trivial amount.
