The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding delays and corruption in granting GST registration. The controversy began when a LinkedIn user alleged that their GST registration had been pending for 20 days, prompting accusations of corruption on X (formerly Twitter).
CBIC responded by clarifying that the application in question was filed on May 26, 2025, and was assigned to Delhi State GST authorities, not the Central GST authorities. The board stated that the case was processed immediately, but a query was raised regarding the missing designation of the person who signed the rent agreement on behalf of the company. The application remains pending for a response from the taxpayer, and CBIC assured that it would be processed upon receipt of the required information.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also addressed the issue, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity in tax administration. She urged taxpayers to refrain from spreading misinformation and assured that the CBIC and field formations remain sensitive and responsive.
The incident has reignited discussions about ease of doing business and concerns over bureaucratic hurdles in GST registration. While CBIC maintains that the delay was due to missing documentation, the debate continues on social media regarding alleged corruption in the process.
