MAM
Suniel Shetty becomes face of World Series Hockey
MUMBAI: After previously serving as the brand ambassador of the Indian hockey, actor Suniel Shetty has agreed to become the face of Indian professional hockey league, World Series Hockey, in which he also co-owns the Karnataka Lions franchise along with Sporting Ace, which is part of Zentrum Group.
The popular Bollywood action hero, a passionate sports buff, will do extensive promotions for the hockey championship which boasts of prize money of Rs 100 million. WSH will be held from 29 February to 2 April featuring 59 matches to be played between eight teams.
Shetty said it was a great opportunity to be part of this path-breaking event which could change the course of Indian sports.
The actor said, “World Series Hockey is an idea whose time has come. Hockey is the only sport that has brought glory to India on numerous occasions at the Olympics, and the time has come for us to recognise and support the sport through a world-class league featuring all the global champions.”
The eight venues for the inaugural edition of the league are Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jalandhar, Mumbai and Pune. Chandigarh Comets will face-off against Bhopal Badshahs in the first tie of the tournament on their home ground.
Said Nimbus Sport COO Yannick Colaco, “We are thrilled to have Anna (Suniel Shetty) as the WSH brand ambassador. He is one of the few actor-celebrities committed to promoting sports and his fondness for hockey in particular is well known. We look forward to a win-win partnership and will launch an aggressive 360-degree consumer marketing campaign shortly.”
The eight WSH teams are Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets, Chennai Cheetahs, Delhi Wizards, Karnataka Lions, Mumbai Marines, Pune Strykers and Sher-e-Punjab.
Nimbus and IHF, the organisers, are yet to announce the franchise owners for Bhopal Badshahs, Chandigarh Comets and Sher-e-Punjab.
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.
