GST Council To Take Up Decriminalisation Of GST Law

The council may mull raising the threshold limits for multiple offences and will also take up reports of a group of ministers (GoM) on online gaming and appellate tribunals for discussion

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, at its meeting on 17 December, is likely to take up decriminalisation of the GST Law. 

The council may mull raising the threshold limits for multiple offences and will also take up reports of a group of ministers (GoM) on online gaming and appellate tribunals for discussion, various media reports suggested citing people aware of the development.

The reports said the government might consider removing penal offences from the GST Act.

The government has finalised changes in Section 132 of the GST Act, which deals with punishment for offences.

The offences relate to falsifying documents to obtain refunds, abetting in the commission of offences, dealing in confiscated goods and obstructing officers from discharging their duties.

These offences are cognisable and non-bailable.

The meeting later in the month is scheduled to be held through videoconferencing.

The GoM on online gaming, headed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, is also expected to submit its report in the meeting.