Charging Goods and Services Tax (GST) of Rs 67.50 on two bananas in JW Marriott here to actor Rahul Bose cost the hotel Rs 25,000.
The Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Department on Saturdayimposed a penalty on the high-end hotel for the illegal collection of tax on afresh fruit that is not taxable.
The penalty comes following Bose’s tweet, saying: “Youhave to see this to believe it. Who said fruit wasn’t harmful to yourexistence? Ask the wonderful folks at @JWMarriottChd”
In a video post, he showed a receipt that showed that Rs442.50 was charged on a fruit platter that included a nine per cent Central GSTof Rs 33.75 and a nine per cent Union Territory GST of Rs 33.75.
Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner Rajeev Chaudharysaid the hotel has been penalised for illegal collection of tax on bananaswhich come under the category of fresh fruits that are tax free item.A penalty of Rs 12,500 was imposed under CentralGST and Rs 12,500 under Union Territory GST.