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FILA 2025 honours leaders, sparks dialogue on India’s business future
MUMBAI: Leadership, vision, and resilience take centre stage as Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 gears up for its grand 14th edition on 28 February 2025. With a power-packed lineup of industry trailblazers, economic thinkers, and visionary entrepreneurs, the event promises insights, inspiration, and accolades for those shaping India’s business landscape.
The journey to this prestigious evening began in December 2024, when a distinguished jury—chaired by Marico’s founder and chairman Harsh Mariwala—began the task of identifying the best in leadership, innovation, and impact. The panel featured financial and business heavyweights such as Federal Bank MD & CEO KVS Manian, Bain Capital’s India chairman Amit Chandra, and Boat Lifestyle’s chairman Vivek Gambhir, among others.
This year’s FILA 2025 will not only honour leaders but also spark dynamic discussions on India’s evolving business landscape. Key highlights include a panel discussion on India’s Growth Story in a Volatile Environment, featuring KVS Manian, Rajesh Jejurikar, and Madan Sabnavis, exploring economic resilience and future opportunities. Tata Power CEO Praveer Sinha will take the stage for a fireside chat on India’s energy transition, shedding light on the sector’s transformation.
Adding a touch of glamour and business acumen, movie actor and entrepreneur Katrina Kaif will share insights on ‘Going Beyond Endorsements—Building Your Brand,’ offering a glimpse into her journey from actor to business leader.
Supported by partners including Federal Bank, Kia, Rajasthan Tourism, and Reliance Industries, FILA 2025 is set to honour leaders who not only drive business success but also shape India’s future.
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.
