JW Marriott Saturday was fined Rs 25,000 by the Chandigarh Excise and Taxation department for illegally levying 18 percent GST on fresh bananas served to actor Rahul Bose. 

Fresh fruits are tax-free under the GST regime. 

Bose, last Sunday had posted a video on micro-blogging website, Twitter claiming that he had been charged a whooping Rs 442.50 (GST included) for two bananas at the famous JW Marriott hotel. 

Marriott, located in sector 35 Chandigarh, quickly became part of a social media fire that questioned the bill served to Bose by the luxury hotel. Taking cognizance of the matter Chandigarh Excise and Taxation department ordered an inquiry into the matter. 

The 52 year old actor, in his video, showed the bill where he was charged Rs 375 for two bananas and 18% GST was charged on the item. 

The Excise and taxation department had asked the hotel to explain the the GST charge but latter was unable to do the same. Following which, Marriott was fined Rs 25,000 for violating section 11 of CGST. #casansaar (Source - PTI, Economic Times)