A decision taken by the Delhi High Court recently has the potential to undo the government’s steps to provide the GST Anti-Profiteering Authority with greater powers to ensure no profiteering occurs.
The High Court has provided relief to Reckitt Benckiser India Private Limited by ordering an interim stay on the notice issued by the Director General of Anti-Profiteering (DGAP) seeking information on all products of the company, whereas the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) had ordered an inquiry for only one product.
Earlier this month, the government had provided the DGAP with precisely this power, to assess products that are currently not part of its investigation.
“It is pointed out by Mr. P. Chidambaram, learned senior counsel for the petitioner, that the National Anti- Profiteering Authority has ordered an inquiry as regards one of the products of the petitioner i.e. Dettol HW Liquid Original 900 ml (complained product).
“The grievance of the petitioner is that the Director General of Anti-Profiteering (DGAP) has by the impugned notice dated 8th/9th April, 2019 sought information on all products of the petitioner,” the order said.
“The court is of the view that the petitioner has made out a prima facie case for grant of limited interim relief.
It is directed that, till the next date, it will not be required to furnish information to the DGAP pursuant to the impugned notice other than information pertaining to the complained product,” the order added.
The court, however, clarified the NAA’s inquiry as far as the complained product is concerned would proceed in accordance with the law.
The government had, in early July, notified the changes in the rules of the NAA that allowed the NAA to direct the DGAP to further a probe, in case there was a reason to believe that there was a contravention in the rules, into goods and services not covered in the DGAP’s report.
“As a matter of practice, anti-profiteering investigations have been extended to products and services of a company, which were not a subject matter of the complaint,” Pratik Jain, partner and leader indirect tax, PwC India said, “This not only means additional paper work, collation of data etc. but also results in delay in completion of the investigation. If this principle [of only looking into the complained product] is finally upheld by courts, it would provide the much needed relief to industry, which has been requesting the government for issuance of definitive guidelines with respect to anti-profiteering proceedings
In a shocking development, YouTuber Praneeth Hanumanthu has become embroiled in controversy following his detention by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. Initially arrested for making offensive remarks during a podcast, Hanumanthu's predicament has escalated, resulting in further allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after he tested positive for cannabis consumption. The Context of the Detention The origins of Hanumanthu's difficulties can be linked to a podcast he hosted, which included a conversation that many considered highly unseemly. During this episode, he made inappropriate comments regarding the dynamics between a father and daughter, igniting outrage among viewers and critics alike. This incident quickly garnered the attention of both the public and law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. The primary allegation centered around his remarks, which were deemed to have crossed the boundaries of acceptable discourse. This scenario raises broader inquiries about accountability and the duties of content creators, particularly in an era where online platforms can amplify messages to a large audience. As a public figure, Hanumanthu's statements carry substantial weight, and the backlash he has encountered signifies society's increasing intolerance towards harmful rhetoric. Charges Related to Substances Things took a turn for the worse for Hanumanthu when, following his arrest, authorities opted to perform a drug test. The results confirmed the presence of cannabis in his system, leading to additional allegations under the NDPS Act. This legislation is a strict law in India aimed at combating substance abuse and trafficking. By testing positive for drug use, Hanumanthu not only worsened his legal troubles but also further tarnished his reputation. The addition of drug-related charges initiates an important discourse about the effects of substance use among influencers and celebrities. Many young individuals look up to figures like Hanumanthu, and such disclosures can have significant consequences on their perceptions and behaviors. The fallout from his actions extends beyond legal issues; it also encompasses the ethical obligations that accompany public visibility. Reactions from the Public and Consequences The public’s reaction to Hanumanthu's arrest has been varied. Many viewers voiced their outrage over both his initial remarks and his later substance use. Social media has been inundated with discussions, memes, and criticisms, illustrating the swift spread of information and opinions in today’s digital environment. Critics contend that individuals like Hanumanthu should be held accountable for their influence, particularly when it concerns endorsing a healthy lifestyle and responsible behavior. On the other hand, some supporters have rallied behind him, advocating for the necessity of empathy and understanding. They highlight the pressures that accompany being a public figure, especially in a hyper-connected world where every action is scrutinized. This divide in public sentiment mirrors a broader societal conversation about celebrity culture, accountability, and the intricacies of mental health and substance use. The Wider Picture of Substance Abuse Hanumanthu's situation is also part of a larger discourse regarding drug abuse in India, especially among the youth. As discussions about mental health and substance use become more widespread, incidents like this underscore the pressing need for awareness and education about addiction and its root causes. The stigma surrounding drug use often hampers open dialogue about the topic, leaving many to endure in silence. Moreover, the legal implications of the NDPS Act spark questions about how society addresses drug-related offenses. While the act aims to deter substance abuse, critics argue that such laws can disproportionately impact certain demographics and do not tackle the underlying causes of addiction. Conversations around harm reduction, rehabilitation, and public health strategies are increasingly relevant within the framework of these laws. Prospects Ahead for Hanumanthu As Hanumanthu navigates the forthcoming legal hurdles, his future remains unpredictable. He faces possible legal repercussions for both his unsatisfactory comments and his substance use, which could greatly affect his career and personal life. The scenario serves as a cautionary example for content creators about the consequences of their expressions and actions, highlighting the need for thoughtful engagement with their audience.…
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