Reform & Deform A Five-Side Critique of GST

Reform and Deform: A Five-Side Critique of GST takes stock of the initial five and a half years of GST since its implementation in July 2017. This book focuses on five separate but inter-related aspects of GST: concept of supply, claims of input tax credit (‘ITC’), jurisprudence on arrests and attachment, dysfunctional dispute resolution framework and sub-par advance ruling mechanism, and a dedicated chapter containing detailed critique of the GST’s anti-profiteering mechanism. All five aspects are examined to underline the central argument made in the book, i.e., GST is a reform is increasingly being deformed due to poorly reasoned judicial opinions, sub-par advance rulings and uncertainty produced by reactive and ad hoc executive responses. Reform and Deform is a trailblazer as it presents a structured analysis of GST by deploying a jargon-free and straightforward vocabulary. It examines several legal developments in detail, places them in proper historical context and views GST not as an end in itself but a milestone in India’s continuing journey towards an improved indirect tax regime.