Taxability - gutka/gutkha/guhtka - appellants argued that state...

Taxability - gutka/gutkha/guhtka - appellants argued that state legislatures were not empowered to levy sales tax on those articles, in view of the provision in the Constitution enabling the Union to levy additional duties of excise - though “gutkha” fell within the term “pan masala” in Chapter 21 under sub-head 21.06 yet as it is not subjected to additional duty, an essential condition envisaged by the explanation for claiming exemption, is lacking. - Levy of VAT upheld - SC