The AAAR dismissed the appeal, holding that GST is applicable on...

The AAAR dismissed the appeal, holding that GST is applicable on canteen charges recovered from contractual workers, but not from direct employees. While providing canteen facilities is mandatory under Section 46 of Factories Act, the appellant failed to establish that it assumed responsibility as primary employer due to contractor's failure to fulfill statutory obligations. Evidence indicated contractors were paid gross amounts including canteen allowances. Input tax credit (ITC) remains available only for canteen services provided to direct employees under the Factories Act mandate, not for contractual workers. The AAAR rejected the appellant's reliance on Circular No. 172/4/2022-GST, as the contractual arrangement did not qualify under the specified exemptions.