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CCPA Fines Bora Bora Restaurant Chain Rs 50,000 for Illegal Service Charges in Mumbai

The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined Bora Bora’s operator Rs 50,000 for illegally adding a mandatory 10% service charge and GST to bills. The CCPA found the charge was auto-added despite clear rules making service charges voluntary, following a consumer complaint in Mumbai.

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CCPA Fines Bora Bora Restaurant Chain Rs 50,000 for Illegal Service Charges in Mumbai
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In a surprising move, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined China Gate Restaurant Private Limited, the company operating the popular Bora Bora restaurant chain in Mumbai, Rs 50,000 for illegally adding mandatory service charges to customer bills.

The order, dated December 29, followed a consumer complaint and subsequent investigation that revealed a clear violation of consumer protection guidelines.

According to the CCPA, Bora Bora restaurants were automatically adding a 10 percent service charge to customer bills and even levying GST on that amount.

This practice is explicitly prohibited under existing guidelines, which state that service charges are voluntary and cannot be added automatically.

The authority noted that this was done despite a clear ruling by the Delhi High Court in March 2025, which upheld the CCPA guidelines and declared mandatory service charges illegal.

The action was initiated after a complaint filed by a Mumbai customer through the National Consumer Helpline. The customer alleged that the restaurant refused to remove the service charge upon request and behaved rudely when the issue was raised.

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During the investigation, the CCPA’s Director General (Investigation) found that Bora Bora’s billing software was configured to automatically add the service charge to every bill between March 28 and April 30, 2025, proving that the charge was not, in fact, optional.

The investigation also revealed further violations, including the restaurant continuing to levy GST on the service charge and failing to adequately respond to consumer complaints despite repeated notices.

They also maintained a non-functional official email address, preventing consumers from accessing the grievance redressal mechanism.

Although the restaurant claimed that the service charge was optional and that it had discontinued the practice after learning of the court’s ruling, the CCPA found that no credible evidence of compliance with the regulations during the relevant period was provided.

The refund to the complainant was only issued after regulatory intervention.

Given that the Bora Bora chain has multiple outlets in Mumbai, the CCPA stated that such practices could affect a large number of customers.

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Furthermore, in its order, the authority directed the company to modify its billing software to ensure that the service charge is not automatically added, to maintain functional customer complaint channels at all times, and to submit a compliance report within 15 days.

The CCPA reiterated that including service charges in the billing software automatically makes them non-optional, regardless of the restaurant’s claims.

The authority emphasized the importance of adhering to consumer protection laws and warned that future violations could result in even stricter action.

Also Read: Bhandup West Bus Tragedy: Four Killed After BEST Bus Hits Pedestrians While Reversing

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India Seizes 3 US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers Near Mumbai Over Suspected Iran-Linked Transfers

India has reportedly seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — off the Mumbai coast after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfers within its EEZ. The move comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade and sanctions evasion linked to Iran.

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According to sources familiar with the matter, India has seized three oil tankers: Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia.

These were sanctioned by the US and suspected of having links to Iran.

This incident comes amid a major crackdown on illegal maritime oil trade.

Interceptions off the Mumbai Coast

Indian authorities reportedly intercepted three vessels in February 2026, approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These operations are believed to have been used to conceal the origin of the oil cargo and evade coastal law enforcement.

It’s worth noting that security sources told Reuters that the tankers frequently changed their identities to avoid detection.

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This tactic is often employed by ships seeking to evade sanctions. It’s reported that these ships are owned by foreign entities making surveillance difficult.

International Sanctions and Oil Smuggling Concerns

Surprisingly last year, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) banned ships named Global Peace, Chill 1, and Glory Star 1.

These ships reportedly have the same IMO numbers as the ships now seized by India. Shipping data shows that the Al Jafzia transported Iranian fuel oil to Djibouti in 2025.

The Stellar Ruby flew an Iranian flag. However the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) denies any connection between the tankers, their cargo and its operations.

According to shipping intelligence, the Asphalt Star was mostly active in routes around China, revealing global movement patterns of such vessels.

Surveillance Efforts Stepped Up

In response to these incidents the Indian Coast Guard has significantly increased its maritime surveillance.

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Approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft have been deployed to monitor activities in Indian waters and prevent future illegal activities.

Officials say this move demonstrates India’s determination to keep its waters free from illegal oil trade and unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers. This could undermine international sanctions regimes and complicate enforcement efforts.

Also Read: Mumbai Traffic Advisory: HMVs Banned on Western Express Highway on February 17 for PM Modi and Macron’s Visit

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Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026

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Mumbai Silver Rates Update February 17, 2026
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Silver Rates in Mumbai Today

Silver price for 10 grams in Mumbai is Rs 2,679. For 100 grams, it is Rs 26,790. If you want 1 kg of silver, the rate is Rs 2,67,900.

Silver is more affordable than gold and many people in Mumbai buy it for small savings, gifts, or household use. People often buy silver coins or small bars during festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Silver is also used in jewellery, but not as much as gold. Some families buy silver utensils for special occasions.

Rates change every day. Bank rates, shop rates, and online rates may not always match. Check with your local jeweller before buying. In Mumbai, silver usually costs a bit more than in smaller towns, mostly because of higher taxes and making charges. Transport and demand also play a small part.

There is no GST on old silver you sell, but new silver jewellery has 3% GST. If you buy silver in a shop, ask for the receipt. It helps if you want to sell it later.

Don’t expect to make quick profit from silver. Prices move slowly and sometimes even go down for weeks. Silver is good for long-term savings, not for daily trading. If you buy big amounts, store them safely. Silver can get black stains if not kept in dry place.

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Most people in Mumbai still buy silver the traditional way—from stores or trusted jewellers. Some try online, but not everyone is comfortable. Always check the current rate before you buy, as it keeps changing.

That’s the simple truth about silver rates in Mumbai today.

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Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026

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Mumbai Gold Rates Update February 17, 2026
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Gold rates in Mumbai today are: Gold 24k: Rs 1,56,430 for 10 grams. Gold 22k: Rs1,43,390 for 10 grams. Gold 18k: Rs 1,17,320 for 10 grams.

These prices keep changing throughout the day. Shops in Zaveri Bazaar, one of Mumbai’s oldest gold markets, usually follow these prices. You’ll find that actual charges can be a bit different in each shop because of making charges, GST, or small fees.

In Mumbai, a lot of people buy gold for weddings, festivals, and investments. It is easy to check gold rates online or by asking in jewellery markets. Most families still prefer to check rates themselves before buying, especially during big festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya. Sometimes, prices go up if demand is high because Mumbai is a big centre for the gold trade.

Gold rates in Mumbai mostly depend on international market prices and the Indian Rupee’s value. If the rupee becomes weak, gold becomes more expensive. If there is some international issue, gold prices go up quickly. Many sellers in Mumbai update their rates two or three times every day.

If you are buying gold, always check for hallmarks. This shows the gold is pure. 24k gold is purest, but it is soft, so people often buy 22k for jewellery. 18k gold is usually used for modern styles or lightweight ornaments.

Prices might look high now. But many people in Mumbai still choose to invest in gold for safety. Always check the latest price before deciding. And, ask for a bill for every purchase. This helps if you want to sell or exchange the gold later.

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