MAM
PokerBaazi.com to donate Rs.10 lakhs to fight off Covid-19, help daily wage workers
MUMBAI: As a humble contribution towards defeating the pandemic spread across the entire country, PokerBaazi.com, a leading online gaming platform, has stepped forward to donate a minimum of Rs 10 lakhs to support India’s battle against Covid-19 by associating with Dehi Youth Welfare Association (DYWA). The platform has organized a special tournament series on their app to support the cause. The brand will be donating the entire tournament fee raised from the main event as well as an equivalent amount from the company’s side towards supporting daily wage workers with ration and money.
The development comes as the company believes in joint efforts by every responsible corporate to overcome these harsh times and wants to extend aid to the most vulnerable section of society. Also, through this initiative many players associated with the company are likely to come together to make their contribution.
Mr. Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO at Baazi Games, the group entity of PokerBaazi.com, said, “The entire world is going through a very tough time and the situation is extremely unfortunate. We believe that only collaborated efforts from all will help the world sail through this pandemic. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to extend our support and be a part of the battle against coronavirus. We wisheveryone to stay safe and careful during this time.”
This comes at a time when the fantasy sports business vertical of the group, BalleBaazi.com, is highly affected by the global lockdown. Singh feels optimistic about things getting better soon and added,”Fantasy sports gaming in India has very bright prospects and we are confident that things will get to motion as soon as things get better on ground. In the meanwhile, we have to come together and help the needful for their sustenance.”
In the past as well, PokerBaazi.com has been associated with various causes to uplift underprivileged sections of the society. The company last year had organized a motivational session with Olympics Bronze medallist, Vijender Singh and has actively participated in numerous social initiatives like Kerala Flood Relief, Clean Yamuna campaign and sustainable food development systems for underprivileged children.
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.
