SC Dismisses PIL Seeking GST Exemption For Face Masks & Sanitizers

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking exemption for face masks and hand sanitizers from Goods and Services Tax.

The Bench comprising of Justices NV Ramana, SK Kaul and BR Gavai also dismissed another petition which sought directions to the Centre and State Governments for immediate relaxation of medical expenses related to non-COVID-19 ailments during the ongoing Corona virus pandemic.

The bench observed that the petitioner was no expert on the issue and cannot determine prices.

The Court further pulled up the petitioner for the nature of his request and warned that they would impose costs for filing such PILs which waste the Court's time.

Filed one day ago by a lawyer based in Kolkata, the plea also sought government directions to all private hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories etc. to reduce their charges for medical healthcare services for patients being treated with non-COVID-19 related ailments.

The petitioner had further prayed for an order staying all pending medical bills till the time the Centre and States took action regarding the same.