Leela Palace Udaipur Fined Rs 10 Lakh, Ordered to Refund Rs 55,000 with Interest and Costs for Privacy Breach

A Chennai Particular person Court docket has held luxury 5‑vital person lodge The Leela Palace, Udaipur to blame for violating a visitor’s magnificent to privateness, ruling that interior procedures can’t account for unauthorised entry into an occupied lodge room.

The case used to be filed by a Chennai‑based totally mostly advocate who, along along with her husband, stayed in a “Colossal Room with Lake Salvage out about” on the lodge. For the length of their protect, a housekeeping workers member allegedly entered the room utilizing a grasp key while the couple used to be contained within the washroom, despite them shouting “no provider.” The complainant stated the intrusion brought about mental distress and amounted to a severe invasion of privateness.

The lodge denied wrongdoing, arguing that the workers adopted frequent running procedures after receiving no response from contained within the room. It claimed that no “Stop No longer Disturb” mark used to be displayed, the protection latch used to be now not engaged, and the workers exited straight upon realising the guests were inside. The lodge additionally stated apology letters issued were goodwill gestures, now not admissions of fault.

The District Particular person Disputes Redressal Rate, Chennai (North) rejected the defence, gazing that SOPs can’t override a visitor’s predominant magnificent to privateness. It eminent that getting into the room within decrease than a minute of ringing the bell used to be unreasonable, particularly when the washroom used to be in employ. The Rate additionally criticised the lodge for failing to fabricate SOPs, delaying CCTV pictures, and having a non‑helpful camera exterior the room.

In its repeat dated December 16, the Rate directed The Leela Palace to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation, refund the room tariff of Rs 55,000 with 9% annual hobby from January 2025, and pay Rs 10,000 as litigation funds. The whole amount is to be paid within two months.