MAM
Sterling Holidays’ creative & media biz goes to Network Advertising
MUMBAI: Leisure hospitality company Sterling Holidays has awarded its media and creative duties to Network Advertising.
The company‘s online duties, however, would continue to be handled by Chennai-based Rage Communications.
Says Sterling Holiday Resorts India vice president Lata Subramanian, “We didn‘t call for a pitch, we just interviewed 2-3 agencies and chose Network Advertising. The choice was made purely on the basis of credentials. I have known Network Advertising for long, it‘s mid-size, but a very strong agency.”
Sterling Holidays hasn‘t been advertising for a long time. “But now it is coming back with Network Advertising. The OOH campaign will be rolling out this Sunday while the print will be starting from Wednesday,” Subramanian comments.
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.
