MAM
Wunderman’s Rajat Sethi heads to Cannes as a judge
NEW DELHI: One more Indian will head to Cannes not to win more awards but to “judge” entries! Wunderman India CEO Rajat Sethi has been selected as one of the eminent panel of direct marketing experts from around the world to judge the Lions Direct entries at the 50th anniversary of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival to be held at the Palais des Festival in Cannes, France from 15-21 June, 2003.
The Cannes Festival is the only get together for the global advertising community. Close to 10,000 key players from the whole industry congregate at the festival to view the best in International creativity.
After its successful launch in 2002, direct marketing is now fully integrated as part of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. In 2002, more than 1000 entries from 283 agencies representing 35 countries were submitted to the first Lions Direct awards. The jury was made up of a select 26 top-flight direct marketing experts from 18 countries. Winning entries are awarded the highly coveted bronze, silver and gold Lions.
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.
