Delhi High Court: Breathing too expensive? Question of Delhi High Court; Why 18 % GST on Air Purifier?

• The High Court has asked the Central Government for its reply on Delhi pollution
• Why 18% GST on purifiers?
• Clean air must be available

Delhi High Court: Why is 18% GST levied on air purifiers even in severe air pollution? The Delhi High Court asked the central government on Wednesday, seeking an immediate reply from the central government, saying that while the government is failing to provide clean air to the citizens, at least air purifiers can be made affordable for the common man. The PIL has sought reclassification of air purifiers as medical devices.

A division bench of the Delhi High Court said that we take about 21,000 breaths every day, think about it. The court asked the Center what is the point of responding ‘on time’ when thousands of people are dying due to pollution in Delhi. The court explained that it is the responsibility of the government to provide at least air purifiers to citizens.

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A PIL filed by advocate Kapil Madan has sought to classify air purifiers as medical devices. Due to this reclassification, 5 percent GST will be applicable on air purifiers. Currently, the device is available at 18 percent GST rate, making it expensive for common citizens. The PIL also states that air purifiers are no longer a commodity in the face of severe air pollution in Delhi. Access to clean indoor air has become essential to health and life. The court asked the Center why air purifiers are being kept expensive in times of crisis.

The government had asked for time in this case. The court said, “Time is of no importance when it comes to people’s lives and health.” Every citizen needs clean air and the government has failed in this regard. Center should take immediate steps to make air purifiers available immediately. The court asked the Center to respond immediately and clarified that ensuring accessibility of air purifiers to citizens should be a priority amid the pollution and health crisis. The court highlighted that this is not just an issue of tax reduction, but a sensitive issue related to the health and life of citizens.

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Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed concern over the pollution problem in Delhi-NCR, which is increasing every year. He said that he starts experiencing allergies only after staying in the capital for a few days. He made this statement during an event in Delhi. He also shared his personal concerns about Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. The Union Minister admitted in his speech that he himself is the Transport Minister and that it is true that 40 per cent of pollution is caused by transport.

Gadkari stressed that major and immediate changes are needed in the transport sector to combat pollution. The Union Minister also questioned the dependence on fossil fuels. He said that fuel based on limited resources not only increases pollution but also puts a heavy burden on the country’s economy.

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