Govt Rejects Immediate GST Cut on Air Purifiers Amid Pollution Crisis, Court Pushes for Action

• Central government states immediate GST cut on air purifiers is not possible as all electronic items fall under 18% slab; any change requires GST Council approval.
• Delhi High Court sharply questioned the government on high GST for air purifiers, citing public health crisis and asking why a "life-saving device" is taxed at 18%.
• Court issued notice to Centre, seeking response on classifying air purifiers as medical devices to reduce GST to 5%, and urged urgent action given Delhi's air quality.
• Judges suggested "emergency relief" measures, even hinting at National Security Act, and questioned why the GST Council couldn't address the issue immediately.
• A PIL argues air purifiers are essential health equipment, not luxury items, and meet criteria for medical devices, which would lower GST to 5%.

Why It Matters: Government resists immediate GST cut on air purifiers despite court pressure and pollution crisis.