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Kerala Lawyer Fights for Gravy Rights in Consumer Court
22 Jun
Summary
- A lawyer is suing a restaurant for denying gravy with porotta and beef fry.
- The case questions if gravy is a consumer's reasonable right.
- A consumer court will rehear the case on July 8, 2026.
A consumer court in Kerala is poised to decide a unique case: whether gravy is an inherent right when ordering porotta and beef fry. The dispute began nearly two years ago when lawyer Shibu S Vayalakath was denied gravy at a Kochi restaurant.
He filed a complaint, arguing that gravy is a customary accompaniment and its denial violates consumer rights. His initial case was dismissed but was later sent back for a proper hearing by the state commission.
The district forum will rehear the case on July 8, 2026. The state commission's decision to mandate a hearing highlighted the importance of a 'pro-consumer approach' and the right for consumers to be heard.
Experts suggest the case hinges on whether the custom of serving gravy is uniform, long-standing, and accepted by both businesses and consumers. Vayalakath is prepared to pursue the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.
