A consumer redressal commission in Kerala has directed the proprietor and manager of a biryani cafe in Pathanamthitta district to jointly pay Rs 96,500 to a woman who alleged that she fell ill after consuming food from the eatery.
The Pathanamthitta District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered King's Biriyani Cafe proprietor Ashish John Mathew and its manager in Ranni to pay Rs 36,500 towards hospital expenses, Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses. The amount has to be paid within 30 days.
Woman alleged she fell ill after eating alfaham
The complaint was filed by Reena Thomas of Vechoochira. According to her complaint, she and her sister visited King's Biriyani Cafe at Chethonkara in Ranni on October 21, 2025, and ordered alfaham, an Arabian dish. Thomas alleged that she noticed a difference in the taste soon after they started eating and informed the waiter. However, the waiter allegedly told them that there was nothing wrong with the food and that it was only their perception. Her sister did not eat much of the food and the remaining portion was packed, according to the complaint. Thomas paid Rs 740 for the meal through a debit card.
Woman hospitalised for a week
Thomas alleged that she developed vomiting and stomach pain while travelling back home. She later suffered dizziness, vomiting and weakness. She initially received treatment at a hospital in Vechoochira. However, as her symptoms persisted, she was admitted to another hospital in Kanjirappally. According to the complaint, Thomas remained in the hospital for a week and was told by doctors that she had developed a Salmonella infection after consuming undercooked or stale food. Thomas's son later informed the cafe operators about her condition over the phone. He alleged that they responded rudely and offered to pay Rs 6,000, which was not accepted.
Commission examines complaint
The commission issued notices to both the proprietor and manager. While the proprietor appeared before the commission, the manager did not appear despite receiving the notice. After examining the complainant, the opposite party and the documents submitted in the case, the commission held that the allegations against the opposite parties were substantiated.
The commission also relied on the discharge summary issued by the hospital. It noted that the absence of the second opposite party from the proceedings, despite receiving notice, also supported the complainant's case.
Rs 96,500 to be paid within 30 days
The commission directed Ashish John Mathew, proprietor of King's Biriyani Cafe, and the cafe manager in Ranni to jointly pay Rs 96,500 to Reena Thomas. The amount includes Rs 36,500 towards hospital expenses, Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses.
The commission directed that the amount be paid within 30 days. The order was passed by the Commission President, Babychan Vechoochira, and member Nishad Thankappan.
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