The Delhi High Court recently questioned the Centre. Judges criticized scrapping a GST subsidy on cars. This subsidy helped differently-abled individuals. The court asked why this decision was made.
The GST concession on cars was for disabled people. It was removed on July 18, 2018. This move has made cars much costlier for a vulnerable group. The court wants answers.
Why the Court is Concerned About the Scrapped Car Subsidy
The Delhi High Court heard this important case on Monday, January 29, 2024. Justices asked tough questions. They want to know if the government reviewed its 2018 decision. Removing the concession impacts many people. It means vehicles are less affordable.
Petitioners like Mohd. Jamal and Gurdeep Singh brought the case. They say the decision makes life harder. The court noted the government now suggests direct financial aid. This aid would replace the car subsidy. The court questioned if this new aid ever launched.
The original subsidy was a 50% GST exemption. It applied to certain cars. Petrol cars up to 1200cc qualified. Diesel cars up to 1500cc also qualified. This made owning a car possible for many with locomotor disabilities. You can learn more about GST rules on the official GST Portal of India.
Centre’s Response and Future Steps
The Centre defended its 2018 decision earlier. They said it aimed for “uniformity” in GST. They also wanted to focus on specific needs through other programs. However, a proposed direct financial aid scheme did not move forward. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment suggested this scheme in September 2019. The Finance Ministry did not approve it.
This means no new support came. The crucial car concession also disappeared. The High Court stressed the need to review such decisions. They impact a vulnerable population. The court wants the Centre to file a detailed affidavit. This document must explain everything. It needs to show the criteria for removing the concession.
What happens next? The Centre must respond with a full explanation. The court has set the next hearing date. It will be on March 18, 2024. This case highlights the ongoing struggle for disability rights. It also shows the importance of judicial review. For more information on government support for persons with disabilities,
visit the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
This ruling could reshape how the government supports differently-abled citizens.
Many hope for a positive outcome. Will the GST subsidy return? Or will new, effective aid be launched? Only time will tell. Keep an eye on this developing story.
