Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court on Monday heard a petition concerning the imposition of GST on meals provided to patients admitted at RIMS. The division bench of Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar has directed RIMS to clarify its stance on the alleged GST exemption.
Court Seeks Specific Response on Past Contractor
The court has instructed RIMS to file a detailed reply specifically addressing paragraphs 14–17 of the writ petition. It has also asked RIMS to clarify whether the previous contractor, Jana Enterprises, was granted GST exemption for supplying meals to patients, and if so, on what basis.
Meals as Part of Healthcare Services
The petition contends that meals provided to patients on the recommendation of doctors or nutritionists form part of composite healthcare services, which are GST-exempt. During the hearing, the court also questioned why GST was not collected from the previous contractor for nearly five years, noting that such exemptions without valid grounds can significantly impact revenue.
Next Hearing Scheduled
Advocate Sankalp Goswami appeared for the petitioner. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 9.
