GST Council Eyes Decriminalisation, GCC Relief
The GST Council is set to consider a wide-ranging package of process reforms at its October 8 meeting, including possible decriminalisation of GST offences, relief for global capability centres and simpler rules for refunds, registration and input tax credit.
GST Council May Review Arrest Powers
One of the major proposals under consideration is removal of standalone arrest provisions available to GST authorities under Section 69 of the Central GST Act.
The provision currently allows commissioners to authorise arrests in specified serious cases, including fake invoicing, fraudulent input tax credit, fake refunds and deliberate tax evasion.
The broader proposal forms part of recommendations aimed at decriminalising aspects of GST law and reducing litigation.
GCC Export Services Could Get GST Relief
The Council may also consider changes benefiting global capability centres providing services to overseas group companies.
Certain services currently attract 18% GST because existing place-of-supply rules treat work performed on goods sent to India as being supplied domestically.
A proposed amendment could allow qualifying services to be treated as exports when payment is received in foreign exchange, removing GST liability and allowing input-tax refunds.
Refunds, ITC and Registration Reforms on Agenda
Other proposals include using automated risk scores to speed up refund processing for low-risk taxpayers and simplifying GST registration.
Industry has also sought protection for genuine buyers claiming input tax credit when suppliers fail to deposit tax, alongside quicker resolution of stranded compensation-cess credits.
Gross GST collections reached ₹12.46 lakh crore during April-September 2026, up 11.6% from the same period last year.
The 57th GST Council meeting, originally scheduled for October 7, has been rescheduled to October 8.
