Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-05-20

These Terms govern your use of Homecook("Platform", "we", "us"). By creating an account or placing an order you agree to them.

1. What we are

Homecookis an online marketplace under Section 2(w) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Rule 3 of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. We connect FSSAI-registered home cooks ("Cooks") with people looking to order home-cooked meals ("Buyers"). We do not cook, package, store, or deliver food. We are not the seller.

2. Cook responsibilities

• Maintain a valid FSSAI Registration or Licence at all times and display the correct number on every listing.
• Comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, and all local health, fire, and labelling rules.
• Accurately describe ingredients, allergens, dietary class (veg/non-veg/etc.) and portion size on every dish.
• Use ingredients within their shelf life and follow safe-handling practices (clean utensils, hand hygiene, separate veg/non-veg preparation).
• Honour accepted orders or cancel promptly so stock is returned.

3. Buyer responsibilities

• Provide accurate address, contact, and dietary information.
• Read ingredient and allergen labels before ordering. You are responsible for confirming the dish is safe for your dietary needs.
• Pay the Cook through the agreed channel for confirmed orders.
• Inspect food on pickup/delivery and raise concerns within 24 hours.

4. Food safety & liability

The Cook is the "Food Business Operator" for every dish they list and bears primary responsibility for the safety, hygiene, and quality of the food they prepare. Homecook verifies that each Cook has provided a 14-digit FSSAI number and surfaces it publicly, but does not test, inspect, or certify the food itself.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Homecook disclaims all liability for (a) the safety, taste, or fitness of any dish, (b) any illness or harm arising from consumption, and (c) any dispute between a Buyer and a Cook. Your sole remedy against Homecook is limited to a refund of any platform fees you paid us (currently zero — see Section 7).

5. Account & content

You must be at least 18 years old. You are responsible for keeping your password safe and for activity under your account.

You retain ownership of content you upload (photos, videos, reviews). You grant Homecook a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display and reproduce that content as necessary to operate the Platform.

6. Prohibited conduct

• Listing food made by a non-FSSAI-registered party.
• Listing items prohibited under FSSAI regulations (raw meat, food containing banned additives, alcohol without licence, etc.).
• Misrepresenting ingredients, allergens, or dietary class.
• Off-platform solicitation to evade fees once charged.
• Fake reviews, manipulated ratings, harassment.
• Any activity that violates Indian law including the FSS Act, Consumer Protection Act 2019, IT Act 2000, and tax law.

7. Fees & payments

Homecookreserves the right to charge a commission of up to 10% of the Buyer's total order value, payable by the Cook. As of 2026-05-20 this fee is accrued but not yet collected — payment flows directly between Buyer and Cook via UPI. Once we enable platform-managed payments, the commission will be automatically deducted from each settlement.

All payments are between the Buyer and Cook. Homecook is not a payment processor and does not hold buyer or cook funds.

8. Refunds & cancellations

• A Buyer may cancel a PENDING order at any time at no cost.
• A Cook may decline (cancel) a PENDING order; the Buyer is notified immediately and owes nothing.
• For orders the Cook has ACCEPTED, cancellations are negotiated between the Cook and Buyer.
• Disputes about food quality, hygiene, or non-delivery should be raised with our Grievance Officer (Section 12) within 24 hours of the scheduled delivery time. We will mediate in good faith but have no obligation to issue refunds beyond what the Cook agrees to.

9. Suspension & termination

We may suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms or applicable law, with or without notice. You may close your account at any time by emailing monika.mallada@gmail.com.

10. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or uninterrupted operation.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Homecook, its officers, employees, and contractors from any claim, loss, or expense (including reasonable legal fees) arising from (a) your breach of these Terms, (b) your violation of any law, or (c) any dispute between you and another user.

12. Grievance Officer

Complaints may be addressed to our Grievance Officer at monika.mallada@gmail.com. We aim to respond within 48 hours and resolve within 30 days, as required by the IT Intermediary Rules, 2021.

13. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Any dispute will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Hyderabad, Telangana, India, except as otherwise required by applicable consumer-protection law.

14. Changes

We may update these Terms. Material changes will be notified by email or via the Platform. Continued use after a change constitutes acceptance.

These Terms are a template provided for early-stage operation and do not constitute legal advice. Before scaling to paid orders, have them reviewed by an Indian lawyer familiar with food and e-commerce law.