A fine of Rs 25,000 was imposed on hotel JW Marriott by Excise and Taxation Department of Chandigarh in connection with actor Rahul Bose's tweet over the price of two bananas served to him by the hotel. The hotel was booked for violation of section 11 of CGST (illegal collection of tax on an exempted item).
Bose’s video, calling out Chandigarh’s JW Marriott Hotel for charging him an exorbitant Rs 442 for two bananas, went viral on social media.
The hotel was sent a show-cause notice on Friday, asking for a response as to how tax was charged on an item which is tax-free.
Watch Rahul Bose’s video below, in which he is completely shocked to have been billed for Rs 442 for ordering 2 bananas at the JW Marriott in Chandigarh.
Taj Offers Free Fruits
A few days after the video travelled online, Twitter users have shared screenshots of Taj Hotels’ note offering complimentary fruits for their guests.
“We would be delighted to serve seasonal fresh whole fruits with our compliments. Please call in room dining to place your request,” reads a message in the guest rooms at Taj Hotels in Santacruz, Mumbai, which has been shared on Twitter.
Taj Hotel’s offer of free fresh fruits is being cheered on social media:
However, in a statement just released by the hotel it clarifies that offering complimentary fresh fruits to their guests has been a standard practice at Taj Santacruz since its opening in 2016.
(With inputs from ANI and Indian Express)
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