THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 24: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday raised pointed questions to the central government over the imposition of an 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers, expressing concern over the high rate during a severe air pollution crisis.
The court sought clarification from the government on why the GST could not be reduced immediately.
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The observations came from a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela while hearing a public interest petition seeking the reclassification of air purifiers as medical devices.
The petition argued that this reclassification would make the devices eligible for the lower 5 percent GST slab.
When the government requested more time to respond, the court emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the significant health risks and potential loss of lives due to polluted air.
It noted that while clean air is a basic necessity for every citizen, the government had not ensured adequate availability of air purifiers.
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The court also indicated the possibility of granting immediate relief and suggested that, as a temporary measure during the air emergency, exemptions under the National Security Act or similar provisions could be considered. The petition was filed by advocate Kapil Madan.
