Mumbai, June 10, 2025 — In a ruling that could have broader implications for food delivery businesses and consumer responsibility, a Mumbai consumer court has dismissed a complaint filed by two customers who claimed their religious sentiments were hurt after they were mistakenly served non-vegetarian food by Wow! Momo.
The complainants, who identify as strictly vegetarian, alleged that receiving chicken momos instead of the vegetarian variant caused deep emotional and religious distress. However, the court questioned the logic of ordering from a restaurant that clearly serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
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“If non-vegetarian food hurts one’s religious sentiments so deeply, why would a person order from a place that serves both types of food?” the court observed, calling for greater discretion and accountability on the part of consumers.
The case brings to light a growing challenge for food delivery platforms and QSR (quick service restaurant) chains like Wow! Momo, especially in a culturally sensitive market like India. Mistakes in food delivery — while often operational or logistical in nature — are increasingly becoming legal and reputational hazards.
For Wow! Momo, one of India’s most visible fast-casual food brands, the case is a warning shot despite the favorable ruling. While the consumer court sided with the restaurant, it underlines the importance of strengthening order verification systems and maintaining clearer food labelling — especially for deliveries involving dietary restrictions or religious considerations.
This incident also has implications for aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, who act as intermediaries between customers and eateries. Any mistake made in labeling or delivering food can spark not just social backlash but also courtroom battles.
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Legal experts suggest this verdict could set a precedent in cases where emotional or religious hurt is cited in service-related complaints. The court, in effect, has drawn a line between personal belief and practical responsibility in food commerce.
For now, Wow! Momo escapes liability — but the spotlight is squarely on the food-tech ecosystem, where consumer emotions, corporate processes, and legal boundaries are increasingly entangled.
