Goonj – India Law Blog & Insights on Society and Spirituality

Why a Bottle Costs Rs. 100 in Restaurants – The Real Reason The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI)   and the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI)   in a legal battle over restaurant service charges in India   came up when the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Guidelines 2022   were issued to prevent hotels and restaurants from automatically adding a service charge. These guidelines were meant to protect the consumer from what may be considered unfair trade practices . The ongoing legal proceedings, including a recent hearing at the Delhi High Court restaurant service charge case ,  highlighted a fundamental conflict between: A consumer’s right to transparent pricing ,  and A business’s right to set its own charges for the dining experience. The Court’s critical stance on what it calls “Double Charging” – once through inflated prices and again through service charge – underscores the complexity of t...

Delhi Restaurant Denies Entry for Indian Attire: Dress Code Controversy Explained Introduction: A couple in Delhi was denied entry to a restaurant because the woman wore a traditional Salwar-Kurta , sparking public outrage. This incident, near Pitampura Metro station, went viral and raised debates on culture, private rights, and constitutional freedoms. Public Outrage and Allegations of Colonial Mindset Many condemned the restaurant’s policy as an insult to Indian culture . Critics argued it reflected a colonial hangover , preferring Western attire over traditional Indian clothing. "Traditional attire should never be seen as outdated or inappropriate in India." People in Western clothes reportedly allowed entry. Incident sparked a national debate on cultural respect. Demand for Immediate Action Public outrage prompted the Delhi Chief Minister and other officials to act quickly. Restaurant issued a public apology Policy revised to...

  🏛️ Celebrating Minorities Rights Day in India: Upholding Dignity and Equality 🌐 Introduction Franklin Roosevelt once said, “No democracy can long survive which does not accept as fundamental to its very existence the recognition of the rights of minorities.” Minorities Rights Day in India is observed annually on November 18th , following the UN General Assembly’s 1992 declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National, or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities . This day raises awareness about challenges faced by religious, linguistic, and social minorities and emphasizes the importance of equality, dignity, and empowerment. India, with its diverse cultures and faiths, is committed to secularism and protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion, language, or identity. 📜 Definition and Legal Framework Even though the Constitution of India uses the term “minority,” it does not explicitly define it. National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 (Sect...

The Curious Case of the Equestrian Athlete: Horse or Equipment? 🌐 Introduction When you think of an athlete, images of runners, gymnasts, or basketball players likely come to mind. But what about a horse? Is a horse an athlete or simply a piece of equipment used by its human rider? This debate has sparked significant discussion within India’s equestrian sports community and remains sub-judice in the Delhi High Court . 📜 Background The issue arises from a dispute between the Rajasthan Equestrian Association (REA) and the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) regarding voting rights for states and classification of horses in competitions. REA Argument: Horses are “just horses” and their costs are often grouped with boats/yachts in the National Sports Code , so they should be treated as equipment. EFI Argument: Equestrian sports are unique, involving two athletes – the human rider and the horse – and require specialized rules, infrastructure, and management. Internation...

Child Influencers in India 2025: Legal Rights, Risks & Protection 🌐 Introduction Child influencers, also known as “kidfluencers,” have emerged as a global phenomenon. Some children now earn millions of Rupees through social media sponsorships and brand collaborations. While this highlights talent and creativity, it also raises ethical, legal, and social concerns around child exploitation, privacy, and mental health. Kidfluencers create content documenting daily life, toys, games, and vlogs aimed at other children. This content generates massive online followings and commercial profit, making child influencers both participants and earners in the digital economy. 📖 Who Are Child Influencers? Child influencers are children under legal age who gain significant social media presence by creating content. Their videos, posts, and vlogs often generate revenue through sponsorships, advertisements, and merchandise. ⚖️ Legal Framework in India Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulatio...

“ EU THANASIA : Mercy Killing or Death with  Dignity ” Introduction Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution: "No Person shall be deprived of his life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by Law" This ensures the State shall protect good quality of life, livelihood, liberty, and dignified life . The question arises: Does the Right to Life include the Right Not to Life or Right to Die? Death can occur: Naturally Unnaturally It can result from action or inaction . Causing unnatural extinction of life, by oneself or someone else, is morally wrong and legally punishable . What is Euthanasia? Life can become extremely painful, leading individuals to wish for death. This voluntary act is known as: Euthanasia Mercy Killing Dayamarana Historical Perspective In Ancient India , voluntary death practices included: Sati Jauhars Samadhi Prayopaveshan (Starving to Death) Philosopher John Locke stated that humans have the R...

🥚 EGG-CELLENT JUDGMENT: Understanding Surrogacy Laws in India 🌐 Introduction Surrogacy in India is a legal arrangement where a woman (the surrogate mother ) agrees to carry and deliver a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parent(s) . She is also referred to as a gestational carrier , as she conceives, carries, and gives birth on behalf of others. This practice raises complex ethical, legal, and emotional questions , leading to the enactment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 , which governs all surrogacy arrangements in India. ⚖️ The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 Under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 , only altruistic surrogacy is permitted in India. This means: Eligible Women: A widow or divorced woman aged 35 to 45 years , or a legally married couple (man aged 26–55 and woman aged 25–50 ) with a medical condition preventing conception, may opt for surrogacy. Eligibility Condition: The intending couple must not have any previous biolo...