MAM
Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away
MUMBAI: TJS George, veteran journalist, author and columnist known for his incisive writing and uncompromising editorial independence, passed away on Friday (October 3, 2025) due to age-related complications. He was 97.
A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was among the most respected figures in Indian English journalism, known for his sharp political analysis and fearless commentary.
Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth child of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob. He graduated with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College before beginning his journalistic career in the 1950s with The Free Press Journal in Mumbai.
Over the decades, he held senior editorial roles at The Searchlight, The Free Press Journal and the Far Eastern Economic Review, and later became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong. In India, he served as editorial adviser to The New Indian Express, where his widely read weekly column, Point of View, ran for 25 years until June 2022.
George was known for his unwavering stand against corruption, social injustice, and communal intolerance. His columns often questioned power and highlighted issues of public concern with clarity and conviction.
An accomplished author, George wrote several biographies and political works, including Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, The Life and Times of Nargis, Krishna Menon: A Biography, and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits: a collection of essays on politicians, artists, activists, and public figures.
In recognition of his contributions to journalism and literature, he received several awards including the Padma Bhushan (2011), Rajyotsava Award (2007), Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award (2024), and Kesari Media Award (2017), among others.
Through a career spanning more than seven decades, TJS George remained a steadfast voice of reason and integrity in Indian journalism: a writer who never hesitated to speak truth to power. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and readers alike.
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.
