GST has become the topic of debate for the opposition party and we couldn’t see any changes in the conduct even after the Modi government reduced products under 28% slab rate in 23rd GST Council meeting. On the one side, the opposition is mentioning the changes not as per the expectation and on another side, the tweaks in taxes on some products have dragged the issue to the high court.
The issue of 12% GST implication on sanitary napkins has raised to Delhi high court as a petition has been filed regarding the same. While considering the petition, the high court has asked the central government to respond to the issue.
Question Asked By The High Court
High Court asked the government that when Kajal, Bindi, and Sindoor are put out of GST ambit, then what is the story behind including sanitary napkins under 12% of GST. Furthermore, the government wants to know whether the government wants to tweak the rate or not.
Response Of Government
On the notice from the Delhi High court, the government has presented an affidavit in front of the court. In the affidavit, the central government has mentioned the reason that the raw material for sanitary napkins is imported to India. At the same time, there is some practical problem due to which it is not possible for the government to reduce 12% GST on Sanitary Napkins.
Further Arguments
Petitioner has raised another issue and blamed the government intention saying that there is no woman member in GST council board. One more thing is that the government reduced the GST for 200 products including the chocolates. If chocolates are cut down with GST rates, then why it is not the case with Sanitary Napkins.
The petitioner also mentioned that the most part of the Indian woman will not be able to use sanitary napkins due to an increased cost of them under GST. They say that most female groups do not use the sanitary napkins and most are not even aware of the usage. In that case, it will be costly for females who are using it and it will be put out of the reach of them by imposition that much of GST.
Next Hearing On Sanitary Napkin Issue
Petitioners also argued that when sindoor and bangles are completely put out of the tax bracket, then why the products related to women’s health like sanitary napkins are burdened with GST imposition. The next hearing of the court on the issue is scheduled on 14th December where further proceedings will take place.
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