MAM
FreeCharge appoints Sudeep Tandon as chief business officer
MUMBAI: Online platform FreeCharge has roped in Sudeep Tandon as its chief business officer to further strengthen its senior leadership team.
Based out of Mumbai, Tandon will closely work with FreeCharge CEO and co-founder Kunal Shah.
Tandon’s appointment will enhance the corporate strategy and strategic alliances of the company.
Shah said, “FreeCharge is at an exciting stage post acquisition by Snapdeal and we are expanding management bandwidth to reach to next level. Tandon was key advisor during early days of FreeCharge and has deep understanding about the brand’s vision. His process-orientated approach and continuous push for innovation will strengthen our execution. I believe Tandon’s capabilities will help us leap ahead and bolster our vision.”
Tandon comes with over eight years of experience in telecom, technology strategy, product and business development. He has been associated with brands like Samsung, Cisco and Cartesian in the past.
Prior to FreeCharge, Tandon was an engagement manager at Cartesian, a telecom, media and technology (TMT) focused strategy consulting firm. At Cartesian, Tandon led several client engagements with a particular focus on solving strategic challenges for mobile network operators globally.
Tandon added, “I am excited to re-join FreeCharge as it is an enthusiastic workplace always experimenting with futuristic ideas and dipping hands into verity of variants like electricity and gas payments. I look forward to play an active role in this endeavour and innovate more and more.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
