New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today held that a hotel or restaurant could charge more than the maximum retail price (MRP) for a bottle of mineral water from a costumer.

Justice Vikramajit Sen said, ''Charging prices for mineral water in excess of the MRP printed on the packaging, during the service of customers in a hotel and restaurant does not violate any of the provisions of the Standards of Weights and Measures Act(SWM Act), 1976.'' While pronouncing a judgement on the appeal of the National Restaurant Association of India, the Judge said, ''The customer does not enter a hotel or restaurant to make a simple purchase of these commodities.'' The customer goes to the premises to enjoy the ambience and orders for a bottle of water or any beverage along with other food material, observed the Judge in 36-page order.

Counsel Lalit Bhasin appearing for the Association had argued that the supply of food-stuff and drinks in hotels and restaurants are not in the nature of sale. The hotels or restaurants also create the ambience for the customers.

The Association had filed an appeal before the court seeking redressal of its contention to charge more than the MRP printed on the packaged drinking water, available for Rs 10 all over the country.

UNI