PIL filed in Orissa HC to bring petroleum products under GST

Cuttack: Amidst the ongoing tug of war between BJD and BJP over fuel price rise, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in Orissa High Court today to bring petroleum products under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) ambit.

According to sources, social activist Surendra Panigrahi filed the PIL in High Court seeking a uniform tax mechanism for petroleum products in the larger interest of common people.

Central government, Cabinet Secretary, Union Finance minister, Petroleum Secretary, Odisha Chief Secretary and officials of three oil companies-BPCL, IOCL and HPCL have been made parties in the PIL.

“The petitioner has demanded inclusion of petroleum products in the lowest slab of GST by withdrawing Central Excise Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) as it will be helpful in bringing down prices of other commodities,” said petitioner’s advocate, Antaryami Swain.

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