Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Centre Opposes GST Cut on Air Purifiers
The Delhi High Court is discussing whether to lower the tax on air purifiers from 18% to 5% because of the bad air quality in Delhi.
The government says that changing the tax rate without following the proper steps could cause problems.
They also say that only the Health Ministry can decide if air purifiers are medical devices.
The court has given the government 10 days to respond.
Many people in Delhi are affected by the bad air, and air purifiers are important for their health.
The petitioner believes the current tax on air purifiers is wrong and should be reduced to make them more affordable.
The court wants the government to take action to lower the cost of air purifiers so that more people can afford them.
The Centre opposes reducing GST on air purifiers without following the proper process.
The Delhi High Court is considering a petition to classify air purifiers as medical devices and reduce GST from 18% to 5%.
The government argues that the GST Council must follow a defined process and that the Health Ministry must decide if air purifiers are medical devices.
The court has given the government 10 days to file a detailed response.
Delhi's air pollution crisis has been linked to nearly 15% of all deaths in 2023.
- Who
- Centre, Delhi High Court, Advocate Kapil Madan
- What
- Opposition to GST cut on air purifiers
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Delhi High Court
- Why
- To maintain the GST Council process and prevent a 'Pandora’s Box' scenario
Centre's Stance
Petitioner's Stance
Process and Procedure
Centre's Stance
The Centre argues that reducing GST on air purifiers without following the proper legislative process will open a 'Pandora’s Box' and disrupt the federal levy system.
Petitioner's Stance
The petitioner, Advocate Kapil Madan, believes the process is simple and that the current categorization of air purifiers is incorrect, leading to wrongful taxation.
Public Interest Litigation
Centre's Stance
The Centre questions the validity of the PIL, suggesting the petitioner should make a representation to the Union government instead.
Petitioner's Stance
The petitioner insists that the PIL is not adversarial and that the notification imposing the current GST slabs is flawed.
- Petitioner
- Advocate Kapil Madan
- Current GST Rate on Air Purifiers
- 18%
- Proposed GST Rate on Air Purifiers
- 5%
- GST Council
- Constitutional and federal body comprising the Union and all States
- Air Quality Index (AQI) Crisis
- Linked to nearly 15% of all deaths in Delhi in 2023
- Court's Deadline for Government's Response
- 10 days
- Next Hearing Date
- January 9
- Current AQI in Delhi
- 336 (Very Poor)
Sources
Daily Briefing: 4 new airlines for India?
Delhi High Court gives Centre 10 days to respond to petition on lowering GST on air purifiers
Government Drags Heels On Plea To Cut GST For Air Purifiers
‘This will open a Pandora’s Box’ – Centre tells Delhi HC over plea to reduce GST on air purifiers
GST rates on air purifiers to be slashed? Centre tells Delhi HC it will 'open Pandora's Box' — what's next?
Cutting GST to 5% on air purifiers under ‘medical devices’ category would violate Constitution: Centre
Air pollution: Delhi HC asks Centre to respond within 10 days on plea to reduce GST on air purifiers
'Will open Pandora's box': Centre on PIL seeking reduction in GST on air purifiers
GST on Air Purifiers: Delhi HC Asks Centre to Respond to Plea
As Toxic Smog Blankets Delhi, HC Demands Explanation From Centre Over GST Cut On Air Purifiers
Centre opposes PIL seeking lower GST on air purifiers, says could open ‘Pandora’s box’ and undermine GST Council
Delhi HC asks Centre why GST on air purifiers can’t be lowered
‘Will open Pandora’s box’: Centre opposes plea seeking reduction of GST on air purifiers
Delhi High Court Asks Centre Why GST On Air Purifiers Can't Be Lowered
Any judicial direction on air purifier GST will violate basic structure: Govt to HC
The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers
