When momo is less than it seems

If there's one myth about India that refuses to go away, it's the one about us being a nation of leaf-eaters. The truth is far juicier. Multiple surveys show that over 70% of Indians enjoy their succulent mutton tikkas and artery-clogging fish orlys. Add to that the quiet carnivores: those who eat non-veg on the sly but would never squeal. Yet, the illusion lives on, fuelling food fights both literal and legal. Two residents of Dadar recently hauled a popular momo chain to the Mumbai Suburban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - a mouthful, if there ever was one - claiming they were served chicken momos instead of veg ones. Their religious sentiments, they said, were deeply hurt - as was an 'upcoming' puja that, conveniently, had no fixed date, no deity or pandit to back it up. For their troubles, they sought ₹6 lakh in damages, hoping to make a serious point about respecting beliefs.

The commission wasn't chewing it. The invoice clearly said that they had ordered non-veg momos, and their 'evidence' - a few fuzzy photos and a sob story - didn't cut the chutney. The panel did wonder why, if they were that strict, did they not stick to a 'pure-veg' joint? Even if there was a mix-up, it all sounded highly suspicious. In a land where garlic divides families, maybe just read the bill - before chasing moksha, or compensation.