MAM
Review ‘fastest network’ ad order, Airtel appeals to ASCI
MUMBAI: Airtel has filed an application before the watchdog The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for the review of decision with additional material to support its advertisement campaign. ASCI had concluded the ad claiming Airtel to be “officially” fastest network as misleading and asked the company to withdraw or modify the commercial by 11 April.
Telecom major Bharti Airtel filed the appeal seeking review of ASCI’s decision that sought modification or withdrawal of the company’s ‘fastest network’ campaign. Airtel had come out with a television commercial (TVC) claiming to be India’s fastest network based on Ookla’s finding. Its new competitor Jio had contested the claim and moved the ASCI against the commercial.
ASCI’s Fast Track Complaints Committee (FTCC) upheld Jio’s complaint on 29 March that Bharti Airtel’s commercial depicting it as having the fastest telecom network in the country is misleading. The committee of ASCI ruled that the “TVC and website advertisement contravened” ASCI rules. Bharti Airtel had said it will file an appeal against the order.
Upholding the complaint filed by rival Reliance Jio Infocom, ASCI said the Airtel TV commercial (TVC) was “misleading” and “contravened Chapters” of its Code as well as guidelines on disclaimers clauses.
Ookla had also responded to ASCI decision saying that it fully stands behind the reliability and accuracy of the methodology used to designate Airtel as ‘India’s Fastest Mobile Network’.
Also Read:
Airtel hits back at Reliance Jio, Ookla stands by its findings
Airtel does not agree with ASCI’s ‘conclusion’ on misleading ad
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.
