SCBA Appeals for GST Exemption on Group Insurance for Lawyers

The Supreme Court Bar Association has appealed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a GST exemption on group insurance premiums for its members. SCBA aims to launch a non-profit insurance scheme for affordable health and accident coverage, aligning with governmental social welfare goals. However, the current GST framework raises participation costs.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has formally appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking an exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on group insurance premiums.

In a letter penned by SCBA president Vikas Singh, the association outlined its intentions to initiate a group insurance scheme exclusively for its members. This non-profit initiative aims to provide affordable health and accident insurance, fostering risk pooling and financial protection. The scheme is in line with the government's vision for inclusive growth and social welfare.

Currently, the GST applicable on group insurance premiums stands at 18 percent under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. This considerable tax burden increases participation costs, discouraging financially constrained legal advocates from joining the scheme. The SCBA has urged the government to consider waiving the GST on such premiums, citing it as a measure that would bolster collective welfare efforts and support crucial contributors to the judiciary system.

(With inputs from agencies.)