College Mess Fee Dues

[Arijit Das]

I am a 1st year student of Manipal University Jaipur. We received a mail from finance department saying we have to pay INR 5,492 as mess fee dues. The mail didnt have any details mentioning the reason. On replying and asking they said it is GST.

We had paid the Hostel Fee+Mess fee summing to INR 1,80,000 in June 2017.

The Mess fee of INR 53,500(including VAT) was paid in June 2017 for the time of Aug 2017- May 2018. According to what I have searched online, GST cant be applicable on an amount if fee has been paid before GST Launch. The date on the receipt is 20-Jun-2017.

They are giving reason that though payment has been made in advanced, they are procuring the raw materials/groceries monthly thats why GST is being levied. They are also giving reference to GST Flyers Chapter 6, GST on advances received for future supplies.

Can the College charge GST on an already taxed amount ?

AI Summary

Student Challenges INR 5,492 GST Charge on Pre-GST Mess Fees; Claims Unconstitutional Under GST Flyers Chapter 6. A student from Manipal University Jaipur raised concerns about being charged INR 5,492 as GST on mess fees already paid in June 2017, prior to GST implementation on July 1, 2017. The finance department justified the charge by citing monthly procurement of raw materials and GST Flyers Chapter 6. Respondents in the forum argued against the charge, stating that GST cannot be applied to payments made before its implementation, referencing legal provisions and asserting that such charges are unconstitutional. Additionally, it was noted that hostel and mess fees are generally exempt from GST.