MAM
Bisleri services free packaged drinking water to frontline fighters against Covid-19
MUMBAI: Bisleri salutes the spirit and courage of the frontline fighters who are braving the outbreak to keep the nation going amid the COVID-19 crisis. To recognise the efforts of the real heroes who are rendering fearless services as doctors, nurses, policemen, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, government officials, and other essential services, Bisleri has pledged to offer free packaged mineral water to them across India.
Free packs of bottles have already been distributed across hospitals, police stations and traffic signals in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, UP, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The company aims to cover more areas and distribute free water to people in other essential services as well.
Bisleri International Pvt Ltd CEO Angelo George said, “In such difficult times, we believe every bit counts and we want to do everything in our capacity to support our consumers and communities we operate in. All the people on the frontline fighting are doing a commendable job guarding the nation. We want to ensure that essential supplies like safe and clean drinking water is available to them so they stay hydrated at the same time reduce their exposure to contaminated water surfaces.”
Bisleri is taking special precautions in shipping the required quantity packs to designated areas so as to avoid any further risk of infections. The distributors and loaders are given fresh T-shirts, sanitizers, gloves, and masks while delivering the packages. All distribution vehicles are washed with soap solution externally and sprayed with IPA internally. Personal hygiene policy is being strictly followed across all the Bisleri units.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
