Finance Minister responds after tax educator’s bribery allegation on GST goes viral
New Delhi: A LinkedIn post by prominent tax educator Vinod Gupta alleging corruption in the GST registration process triggered a public response from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who addressed the matter on X (formerly Twitter).
Gupta, founder of VG Learning Destination and a respected name in India’s finance education sector, wrote that he and his wife had been waiting for over 20 days to receive a GST registration number for their joint business. He further alleged that the registration would likely be processed faster if a bribe were paid.
As his post went viral, it sparked a wider conversation about corruption in the GST system. Tax professionals and whistleblowers, including Abhishek Raja Ram, amplified the concerns. Raja Ram alleged that the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) was disconnected from ground realities, stating: “Even VG Sir has to vent out his frustration. Better top-level officers take control of Registrations to save the country from corruption.”
Responding to the controversy, Finance Minister Sitharaman said:
“It is our responsibility to serve taxpayers. But while doing that, we must be honest and transparent, because that’s how we earn their trust. I believe the GST Board and officers will continue to be careful and quick in responding to people’s issues.”
The CBIC later clarified that Gupta’s GST application had been filed on May 26 and was under the Delhi State GST jurisdiction, not the Central authorities. They noted that a clarification had been sought from Gupta due to a missing designation on the rent agreement and that his response was still awaited.
The Board cautioned against spreading misinformation and urged the public to verify facts before sharing allegations online.
A detailed response from @cbic_india. To provide service to the taxpayer is our duty. While so serving the taxpayers, transparency and integrity are crucial in earning their trust and confidence. Confident that the Board and the field formations will remain sensitive and… https://t.co/OwuHQ5yKhe
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) May 31, 2025
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Mangaluru: Man sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment in POCSO case
Mangaluru: A court in Mangaluru has sentenced a 44-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to Deccan Herald, the Additional District and Sessions Judge, FTSC-II (POCSO), Maanu K S, delivered the judgment.
The convict has been identified as Dayanand Moolya (44).
According to Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor, the incident occurred on November 16, 2025, when a seven-year-old girl was studying alone at home and the accused illegally entered the house and raped her. He threatened to kill her and throw her into a well if she revealed it to anyone.
The survivor later informed her mother, following which a complaint was registered at Mulki Police Station on November 22. Police Inspector Manjunath B S investigated the case and submitted the charge sheet to the court.
For the rape, under POCSO Section 6, along with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act 65(2) and POCSO 4(2), the man has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30,000. For illegal entry into the house, under BNS Section 332(B), the convict has been sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000. For issuing death threats, under BNS Section 351(3), he has been sentenced to two years of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000.
The court also directed payment of Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the survivor, including Rs 40,000 from the fine amount, and instructed the District Legal Services Authority to provide the remaining Rs 3.60 lakh.
