MAM
ASCI to investigate violation of code of medical ethics
MUMBAI: Medical Council of India (MCI) backs Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for taking action against doctors whose advertisements violate the Medical Code of Ethics Regulations 2002.
In its letter, The Ethics Committee of MCI has strongly backed ASCI for its efforts and self-regulatory mechanism of ensuring ethical advertising practices.
ASCI has observed and processed a large number of complaints of health care products, services and clinic advertisements which has mention of or promotions of doctors. As per MCI rules, doctors cannot promote themselves in advertisements. As an immediate action, ASCI reported to MCI a list of such doctors who were resorting to advertisements in newspapers and on Television and also making misleading, false and unsubstantiated claims. As a response to that, MCI has directed ASCI to send them a state wise list of Allopathic doctors registered with MCI/SMC who have been advertising their products or services so that appropriate action can be taken.
MCI has also directed ASCI to refer to the Indian Medical Registry for obtaining details of doctors making misleading claims in their advertisements and have instructed State Medical Councils (SMC) to further investigate and take action against doctors who do not follow the Medical Council (professional conduct, etiquette & ethics) Regulations, 2002 within a period of six months. This would help MCI to take required action in accordance with the code of Medical Ethics. MCI also sought help from the ASCI to report advertisements by fake doctors to appropriate Law Enforcing Authorities of the Country.
According to ASCI chairman Narendra Ambwani, “This is an important landmark for ASCI in our efforts for protecting the consumers from misleading advertising. Medical Council of India has been very supportive and has advised ASCI to ensure strict action against allopathic doctors who malign the image of medical professionals and violate the Medical Code of Ethics’.
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.
