MAM
HUL gets a new independent director in Kalpana Morparia
MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has got a new independent director. JP Morgan India CEO Kalpana Morparia has been brought on its board effective 9 October 2014. She is also a member of the JP Morgan Asia Pacific Management Committee.
Morparia is an Independent director on the boards of several companies including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, Phillip Morris International and CMC.
Prior to joining JP Morgan India, Morparia served as vice chairman on the boards of ICICI Group companies. She was the joint managing director of the ICICI Group from 2001 to 2007.
Morparia will be a member of the Audit and Corporate Social Responsibility Committees of the HUL Board.
HUL chairman Harish Manwani said: “Kalpana’s vast experience and proven track record of leadership will add tremendous value to our Board.”
Morparia stated: “I am delighted to join the Board of this iconic Company. I look forward to my role as an Independent Director of one of the most respected consumer companies.”
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.
