The Centre on Friday strongly opposed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a reduction in GST on air purifiers and their classification as ‘medical devices’, telling the Delhi High Court that such a move would ‘open a Pandora’s box’ and interfere with a constitutionally defined process.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG), N Venkataraman, informed a bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan and Justice Vinod Kumar that the GST Council does not have the authority to classify products as medical devices.

“Classification of medical devices is done by the Health Ministry after detailed checks, not by the GST Council,” the ASG submitted.

The Centre sought more time to respond to the PIL, stating that two days were insufficient to file a comprehensive reply. The court was urged to grant time for filing a detailed affidavit explaining the legal and constitutional framework governing GST rate revisions.

Highlighting the federal nature of the GST regime, the ASG told the court that any reduction in GST follows a structured process involving all states.

“The GST Council is a constitutional body. It is a federal levy. All states are involved, and if anything has to be voted on, it can only be done physically,” he said.

The remarks came in response to the court’s earlier direction on December 24, when it asked the GST Council to urgently consider holding a meeting on reducing GST on air purifiers amid worsening air pollution in the national capital.

Responding to the bench’s query on why the GST Council could not take a call, the ASG said, “This will open a Pandora’s box. A Parliamentary committee has made recommendations. They will be considered. There is a process. Constitutional issues are involved. We are not saying whether it will be done or not.”

The matter is expected to be heard further after the Centre files its detailed affidavit.