'Inspector Raj' is back, says Mamata Banerjee on GST

KOLKATA: Continuing with her criticism, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the country’s freedom and democracy now “stand to face grave danger.” Expressing her concern over the “inspector raj”, she said, “The mockery of Inspector Raj is back.”

“I am shocked to find that the GST rules contain a rather draconian arrest clause which can lead to major harassment of business, particularly the small and medium, with some sections even being non-bailable too. I would like to point out that under the current VAT regime; the field officials of the State do not have the power to arrest. If they feel that there is a serious tax offence, then they will have to file a FIR and pursue the due process of law. But in the case of GST, the Inspectors will have the power to arrest on 4 different types of offences which can lead to jail from 1 year upto 5 years,” said Banerjee.

Adding that her government in West Bengal opposed this arrest clause in the GST Council, she said that the central Government did not pay any heed.

“In fact, in the name of GST, they have deviated in many areas from the original intent.Given the atmosphere in the country of vindictively targeting anyone who dares to disagree with the Central Government, I am deeply concerned that the arrest clause in GST may well be used to target business leaders who raise their voice of dissent on any policy matter or any practices,” said Banerjee.