The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing a petition filed by private Haj group organisers (HGOs) challenging the levy and collection of service tax/Goods and Services Tax (GST) for organising and providing pilgrims with amenities on their holy journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The question posed before a Bench led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar is whether tax can be collected for transport and hotel stay provided for the pilgrims abroad.
The petitioners, represented by advocate Haris Beeran, argue that the onward journey is also part of the religious ceremony and cannot be separated from the pilgrimage, and is thus eligible for exemption. Besides, these amenities are provided in Saudi Arabia and outside the tax regime in India. They argued that Haj and Umrah privileges are a part of the religious ceremony.
