"Corruption Storm” in GST Registrations? CBIC, FM Sitharaman Hit Back at Viral Allegations
Finance Ministry and CBIC respond to viral bribery claim in GST registration, urge transparency and clarify facts
Corruption Storm – GST Registrations – GST – CBIC – taxscan
Corruption Storm – GST Registrations – GST – CBIC – taxscan
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have issued strong responses to allegations of corruption and procedural delays in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration process, following a viral social media post that sparked nationwide debate.
A prominent chartered accountant and educator, Vinod Gupta, posted a blunt message alleging corruption in obtaining a GST registration.
In a now widely shared LinkedIn post titled “Tomorrow I will commit a Crime”, Gupta wrote:
“Giving and taking bribery: both are crimes. I applied for GST registration number of a firm in which my wife and daughter are partners. I applied 20 days back and objections started coming in. Till today the number has not been allotted. So I have decided to get the GST number tomorrow. I know I will get it after committing the crime.”
Gupta tagged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in his post, prompting sharp reactions from the public and the professional community.
The issue gained further momentum after X user Abhishek Raja “Ram” (@abhishekrajaram) referenced Gupta’s post, directly accusing GST officers of corruption:
“CBIC has no idea of the ground reality of corruption in GST Registrations. Their Executive Officers are so corrupt that even VG Sir has to vent out his frustration. Better top-level Officers take control of Registrations to save the country from corruption.”
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He urged people to speak up and raise their voices against the alleged corruption.
CBIC Issues Detailed Clarification
In response, the CBIC clarified the facts. They said the application was actually filed on May 26, 2025, and was being handled by the Delhi State GST, not the central authority. Officials had raised a valid query about a missing designation in the rent agreement, and the application was simply waiting for the applicant’s response. CBIC urged people not to spread false information, saying, “Please don’t share incorrect details on social media without knowing the facts.”Finance Minister Responds
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also responded on X, saying:
“A detailed response from @cbic_india. To provide service to the taxpayer is our duty. While so serving the taxpayers, transparency and integrity are crucial in earning their trust and confidence. Confident that the Board and the field formations will remain sensitive and responsive.”
What People Are Saying
Even though CBIC explained the situation, many people still feel frustrated about how GST registration works. They believe the system is slow and sometimes unfair. Experts and business owners are now asking for faster and simpler processes, less manual work, more automation, and better systems to complain or raise issues
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