High Court Clarifies GST Council's Role in Air Purifier Tax Rate Decision
The High Court has clarified its position on the proposed GST rate reduction for air purifiers, stating that such decisions fall under the GST council's jurisdiction comprising all state members. The court emphasized it cannot give concrete instructions that would require contacting each state official individually, highlighting the federal structure of GST decision-making and its limitations in policy matters affecting companies like Havells India in the consumer durables sector.

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The High Court has provided clarification on the GST rate reduction matter for air purifiers, stating that any decision to reduce the tax from 18% to 5% is a policy decision that must be taken by the GST council. The court emphasized that the council comprises members from all states, making it impractical for the court to give concrete instructions that would require contacting each state official individually.
Court's Position on GST Council Authority
The High Court's latest statement clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries regarding GST rate modifications. The court acknowledged that while there is a petition for reducing GST on air purifiers, the decision-making authority lies with the GST council, which operates as a federal body with representation from all states. This represents a nuanced approach compared to previous court interventions in tax matters.
GST Rate Structure and Proposed Changes
The ongoing discussion centers around reclassifying air purifiers under a more favorable tax bracket. The following table outlines the current tax structure and proposed modifications:
| Parameter: | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Current GST Rate: | 18% | 5% |
| Decision Authority: | GST Council | State Representatives |
| Court Role: | Advisory | Policy Limitation |
| Impact Scope: | All Manufacturers | Industry-wide |
Implications for Consumer Durables Sector
This development affects companies operating in the consumer durables space, including Havells India , which manufactures air purifiers among other products. The court's clarification indicates that any GST rate reduction would require consensus among state representatives within the GST council framework, rather than judicial directive.
Policy Decision Framework
The High Court's statement underscores the federal structure of GST decision-making in India. The GST council's composition, which includes finance ministers from all states and union territories, ensures that tax rate modifications require broad consensus. This approach maintains the collaborative nature of GST implementation while respecting state autonomy in tax policy decisions. The court's position reflects the constitutional framework where policy decisions of this nature fall under the purview of the executive branch rather than judicial intervention.
Historical Stock Returns for Havells
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.54% | +5.70% | +3.97% | -5.32% | -9.27% | +57.90% |
















































