Govt resists GST cut plea on air purifiers, questions petition’s intent

In a firm rebuttal before the Delhi High Court, the union government opposed a Public Interest Litigation seeking a reduction in GST on air purifiers and their reclassification as “medical devices.” The government underscored that such classification falls under the Health Ministry’s domain following detailed scrutiny, and not the GST Council’s jurisdiction.

Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman argued that no urgent GST Council meeting has been convened to discuss this matter, and the petition’s demand to expedite a tax cut disregards the constitutional process. “The GST Council is a federal body involving all states, and decisions require physical meetings and proper procedure,” he emphasized, requesting the court grant two more days to file a comprehensive affidavit.

The plea gained momentum amid Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, prompting the court to urge the GST Council to hold an urgent session on December 24. However, the union government cautioned that acting hastily could “open a Pandora’s box,” pointing to ongoing parliamentary committee recommendations and constitutional complexities.

“The process cannot be scuttled,” the ASG told the bench, signaling that any decision on GST adjustments must respect legal protocols, rather than be rushed by public pressure or litigation.