MAM
ESS lights candles on brand ambassador Sachin’s birthday
Once again ESPN Star Sports (ESS) will celebrate the birthday of its brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar. Viewers can catch the celebrations on 30 April at 9:30 pm on ESPN.
The master blaster celebrated his 31st birthday last Saturday, at his residence. In a candid chat with Gautam Bhimani, Sachin touched on various points including his roles as a father, husband and son.
On the lighter side Sachin dwelt on his culinary skills. He said, "I like to cook when I am free and not doing anything. It is a good form of relaxation. You spend a lot of time with your family — also in the kitchen – doing whatever you want. It’s exciting, and if you ask my wife, the best fish curry she’s had in life is cooked by me!"
On a different note now that Sachin is free till July it will be interesting to see how ESS uses him to push its other sporting properties like Formula One and tennis.
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.
