Centre Opposes GST Cut Plea on Air Purifiers, Cites Constitutional Process

The Centre on Friday opposed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers and their classification as medical devices, telling the Delhi High Court that the matter cannot be decided in haste or through judicial directions.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman submitted that the GST Council is not empowered to classify products as medical devices. He argued that such classification falls under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry after detailed technical evaluation, not the GST Council.

The submissions were made before a bench comprising Justice Vikas Mahajan and Justice Vinod Kumar. The Centre sought more time to file a detailed affidavit, stating that two days were insufficient to respond to the petition adequately.

The ASG further told the court that any decision on GST reduction follows a structured constitutional process. He emphasised that the GST Council is a federal body involving all states, and any proposal must be deliberated and voted upon in a formal meeting, which cannot be convened overnight.

Earlier, on December 24, the High Court had urged the GST Council to consider holding an urgent meeting to examine the possibility of lowering GST on air purifiers, citing worsening air pollution levels in the national capital. The court had sought a response on whether such a meeting could be convened promptly.

Opposing this, the Centre cautioned that directing an urgent meeting could set a precedent. “This will open a Pandora’s box,” the ASG said, adding that recommendations from parliamentary committees are already under consideration and must follow due process. He stressed that constitutional and procedural issues are involved, and decisions cannot be fast-tracked under pressure.

The matter remains pending before the Delhi High Court, with the Centre expected to submit a detailed response outlining its position on GST rates for air purifiers amid ongoing concerns over air quality.