MAM
EC to screen govt ads; PM photo on hoardings disallowed
NEW DELHI: Even as the Election Commission has set up committees to screen and clear government advertisements in various forms in the five poll-bound states, it has asked the cabinet secretary to remove the prime minister Narendra Modi’s photograph from hoardings at petrol pumps in Goa and gas consumer certificates in Uttarakhand.
These committees will examine all ads including those for audio-visual media including television and radio.
“The Commission had received a complaint that, in Goa, hoardings with photographs of the prime minister were displayed at petrol pumps. The Commission had issued necessary directions on 6 January,” said a letter to the cabinet secretary.
The Commission said it had also received a press clipping showing that certificates bearing the prime minister’s photograph were being distributed by oil companies to the LPG consumers in Uttarakhand who had surrendered gas subsidy.
“This is not permissible under the Model Code of Conduct or under the ECI instructions. You are requested to ensure that the instructions are brought to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance in letter and spirit,” the Commission said.
Earlier this week, the EC had reminded all concerned about its 2004 order that government-funded advertisements which publicise achievements of political functionaries or parties violate the Model Code of Conduct guidelines.
The Commission had said the posters that publicise achievements of political parties or their functionaries should be either removed or covered suitably in the poll-bound states. Only those government hoardings with general messages on social welfare schemes and awareness campaigns are allowed.
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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.
