---
title: "GST Council Considers Removing Taxpayer Arrest Powers"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/gst-council-considers-removing-taxpayer-arrest-powers"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/gst-council-considers-removing-taxpayer-arrest-powers"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/gst-council-considers-removing-taxpayer-arrest-powers.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/gst-council-considers-removing-taxpayer-arrest-powers"
category: "Politics"
area: "India"
published: "2026-10-08T14:05:30.469Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-08T13:34:38.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-08T14:05:30.469Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-08T14:00:23.740605+00:00"
---

# GST Council Considers Removing Taxpayer Arrest Powers

*Proposal to be discussed at the 57th meeting, potentially raising prosecution threshold from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named bodies, with figures and dates specified, but relies on anonymous sourcing for some details.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes from affected parties and explains why the story matters, with clear separation of fact and comment.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headline promises major reforms, but the body details specific changes and their implications.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The GST Council is considering removing the power of tax authorities to arrest taxpayers under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law.
- The proposal is scheduled for discussion at the 57th GST Council meeting on Wednesday, 7 October.
- A potential change includes raising the prosecution threshold for tax evasion from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore.
- The Council may also approve a Rs 10,000 threshold for issuing GST show-cause notices.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is contemplating a significant reform that would remove the authority of tax officials to arrest taxpayers. This proposal is slated for discussion during the 57th GST Council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October. Alongside this, the Council may consider increasing the threshold for initiating prosecution in tax evasion cases from the current Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore. Another potential change involves setting a Rs 10,000 minimum for issuing GST show-cause notices.

## Disagreement on when changes take effect

While the Live Mint report states that amendments to GST legislation would likely be considered during the Winter Session of Parliament, Prabhat Khabar reports that these changes will come into effect from April 1, 2027. The other reports do not specify an effective date for these proposed reforms.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the Rs 10,000 threshold for GST show-cause notices that was reported by Moneycontrol and ODISHA BYTES. None of the left-rated digests mention the potential for changes to jail terms, as reported by The Hindu Business Line.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 14 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 14% (2)
- Centre: 29% (4)
- Right: 57% (8)

40 of 54 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-08T14:00:23.740605+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-08T14:15:34.409Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on the potential removal of arrest powers for GST officers, framing it as a response to concerns about tax officials' overreach. Live Mint reported that the proposal is expected to be discussed on 7 October and that amendments could be introduced in the Winter Session. Indian Express noted that the GST Council would discuss the issue on 7 October, with the government potentially bringing amendments in the Winter Session.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted the GST Council's consideration of removing arrest powers and raising the prosecution threshold. Live Mint reported that the Council would discuss decriminalisation on Wednesday, 7 October, with law changes likely in the Winter Session. Business Recorder stated that the GST Council curbs tax officials' punitive powers, removing arrest and raising prosecution limits. Greater Kashmir's report, titled 'Next-Gen GST and India’s Next Phase of Growth', mentioned the government's work to create conditions for enterprise growth and the introduction of GST in 2017. Hindustan Times noted that after a rate overhaul, GST was set for its next big reform, with officers' arrest powers possibly being scrapped.

### Right

- Right-rated reports led with the GST Council scrapping arrest powers for tax officers and raising the prosecution threshold. India TV News reported the Council decided to scrap arrest powers and raise the prosecution threshold to Rs 5 crore from Rs 1 crore. Moneycontrol stated the Council approved the removal of GST officers' arrest powers and a Rs 10,000 floor for show-cause notices, citing sources. Times of India reported the Council may scrap officers' arrest powers and raise the prosecution bar to Rs 5 crore, suggesting a shift to court-ordered arrests. The Hindu Business Line mentioned the GST Law Committee proposing a higher prosecution threshold and shorter jail terms, with the Council weighing these reforms. Latestly reported that no more arrests would be made under GST, with genuine fraud cases prosecuted under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. ABP News highlighted major changes in GST, questioning if there would be arrests for tax evasion and noting a decision was expected on October 7th.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 8
- high: 5
- unknown: 40
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Business Recorder](https://brecorder.com/news/40443285) — India eases punitive rules under GST regime
- [The English Post - Breaking News, Politics, Entertainment, Sports](https://theenglishpost.com/gst-council-removes-arrest-powers-of-tax-officers-eases-compliance-rules-for-businesses-297-2026-10-08) — GST Council removes arrest powers of tax officers, eases compliance rules for businesses
- [ODISHA BYTES](https://odishabytes.com/mega-gst-reforms-tax-officers-power-of-arrest-scrapped-no-double-taxation-faster-refunds) — Mega GST Reforms: Tax Officers’ Power Of Arrest Scrapped; No Double Taxation; Faster Refunds
- [TV9 Kannada](https://tv9kannada.com/business/gst-council-agrees-for-major-reform-proposals-from-dropping-officals-arresting-power-to-itc-expansion-1248288.html) — GST Council Approves Major Reform Steps
- [Prabhat Khabar - Hindi News](https://prabhatkhabar.com/business/gst-council-2026-10-thousand-tax-demand-notice-arrest-powers) — GST Council 2026: No Notice for Tax Less than Rs 10,000, Power of Arrest Abolished
- [India TV News](https://indiatvnews.com/business/news/gst-council-scraps-arrest-power-of-tax-officers-raises-prosecution-threshold-to-rs-5-crore-from-1-crore-2026-10-08-1056456) — GST Council scraps arrest power of tax officers, raises prosecution threshold to Rs 5 crore from 1 crore
- [The Live Nagpur](https://thelivenagpur.com/2026/10/08/gst-council-meeting-big-relief-for-traders-gst-notice-and-penalty-rules-changed) — GST Council Meeting: Big Relief for Traders, GST Notice and Penalty Rules Changed
- [Pragativadi: Leading Odia Dailly](https://pragativadi.com/gst-council-drops-tax-officers-arrest-powers-in-major-trust-based-reform) — GST Council Drops Tax Officers' Arrest Powers in Major Trust-Based Reform
- [News7 Tamil | News7 | Global Tamil News Channel | Online news for Tamil Diaspora | Latest news from](https://news7tamil.live/key-decisions-of-the-gst-council-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman.html) — GST Council Key Decisions: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman! - News7 Tamil
- [NEWS9 LIVE](https://news9live.com/business/biz-news/gst-council-removes-arrest-powers-prosecution-limit-5-crore-3014315) — GST Council scraps tax officers’ arrest powers, raises prosecution limit to ₹5 crore
- [Sambad English](https://sambadenglish.com/economy/gst-council-removes-arrest-powers-of-tax-officers-eases-compliance-rules-for-businesses-12638379) — GST Council removes arrest powers of tax officers, eases compliance rules for businesses
- [The News 21 - Latest News, Breaking News, Today's Headlines & more](https://thenews21.com/gst-council-prosecution-limit-10-crore-itc-rules) — GST Council Raises Prosecution Limit To Rs 10 Crore, Eases Rules
- [Moneycontrol](https://moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/gst-council-approves-removal-of-gst-officers-arrest-powers-rs-10000-floor-for-show-cause-notices-say-sources-14047784.html) — GST Council approves removal of GST officers' arrest powers; Rs 10,000 floor for show-cause notices, say sources
- [The Munsif Daily](https://munsifdaily.com/gst-council-meeting-on-next-phase-of) — GST Council meeting on next phase of reforms kicks off in Delhi
- [Goodreturns](https://tamil.goodreturns.in/news/gst-2-0-roadmap-what-to-expect-from-57th-gst-council-meeting-led-by-finance-minister-nirmala-sithar-083625.html) — 57th GST Council Meeting: Key Decision to Be Taken by the Meeting Chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman!
- [News Nation](https://newsnationtv.com/business/major-decision-on-next-round-of-gst-reforms-today-meeting-chaired-by-nirmala-sitharaman-12636890) — The 57th Meeting of the GST Council Will Be Held Today to Discuss Changes in Various Rules, Including Registration and Refund.
- [Hindustan Post Hindi](https://hindusthanpost.com/special/gst-council-meeting-chaired-by-nirmala-sitharaman-today-major-decisions-on-refunds-and-itc-likely) — GST Council Meeting Chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman Today; Major Decisions Possible on Refund and ITC
- [PNI](https://pninews.com/57th-gst-council-meeting-to-be-held-in-new-delhi-today) — 57th GST Council meeting to be held in New Delhi today - Press Network of India
- [Lagatar English](https://lagatar24.com/gst-council-meet-on-october-8-may-bring-relief-to-traders-arrest-threshold-likely-to-rise) — GST Council Meet on October 8 May Bring Relief to Traders, Arrest Threshold Likely to Rise
- [The Hindu](https://thehindu.com/videos/how-next-gen-gst-can-power-indias-journey-to-viksit-bharat-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-writes/article71551543.ece) — How next-gen GST can power India's journey to Viksit Bharat | FM Nirmala Sitharaman writes
- [navhindtimes.in](https://navhindtimes.in/national-news/next-gen-gst-indias-next-phase-of-growth) — Next-gen GST & India’s next phase of growth
- [ChiniMandi](https://chinimandi.com/focus-on-simplifying-compliance-refunds-and-input-tax-credit-in-the-next-phase-of-gst-reforms-nirmala-sitharaman-in-hindi) — The Next Phase of GST Reforms Will Focus on Simplifying Compliance, Refunds and Input Tax Credit: Nirmala Sitharaman
- [The Legitimate](https://thelegitimatenews.com/pm-backs-next-gen-gst-push-for-simpler-compliance-and-greater-business-certainty) — PM backs Next-Gen GST push for simpler compliance and greater business certainty
- [taxscan.in](https://taxscan.in/gst/gst-council-likely-to-remove-arrest-powers-under-gst-act-reports) — GST Council May Remove Arrest Powers Under GST Act
- [Public Tv](https://publictv.in/gst-2-0-council-may-scrap-officers-arrest-powers-raise-prosecution-bar-to-rs-5-crore-delhi) — ಕ್ರಿಮಿನಲ್‌ ಕೇಸ್‌ಗೆ ತೆರಿಗೆ ವಂಚನೆ ಮಿತಿ 1ರಿಂದ 5 ಕೋಟಿಗೆ ಏರಿಕೆ; GST
- [Greater Kashmir](https://greaterkashmir.com/opinion/next-gen-gst-and-indias-next-phase-of-growth-12623864) — Next-Gen GST and India’s Next Phase of Growth
- [tv9gujarati.com](https://tv9gujarati.com/videos/gujarat-videos/major-gst-law-changes-expected-relief-for-traders-in-gujarat-1527395.html) — Breaking News: Possibility of Major Changes in GST Law, Traders Will Get Relief, Watch Video
- [awazthevoice.in](https://awazthevoice.in/business-news/gst-council-likely-to-remove-arrest-provisions-speed-up-refunds-68747.html) — GST Council likely to remove arrest provisions, speed up refunds
- [India TV Hindi Hindi](https://indiatv.in/paisa/tax/council-may-strip-gst-officials-of-arrest-powers-also-considering-raising-the-threshold-for-criminal-proceedings-to-rs-5-crore-2026-10-05-1246989) — Council May Strip GST Officers of the Power to Arrest, Also Considering Raising the Threshold for Criminal Action to ₹5 Crore - India TV Hindi
- [Amar Ujala](https://amarujala.com/business/business-diary/gst-reforms-arrest-powers-prosecution-limit-five-crore-2026-10-04) — Possible Changes in GST 2.0: Will Criminal Cases Be Filed only for Tax Evasion of More than ₹5 Crore? These Rules Will Also Change.
- [tezzbuzz](https://tezzbuzz.com/after-rate-overhaul-gst-set-for-next-big-reform-officers-arrest-powers-may-be-scrapped) — After rate overhaul, GST set for next big reform; officers’ arrest powers may be scrapped
- [madhyamam.com](https://madhyamam.com/india/gst-officers-may-lose-arrest-powers-as-centre-plans-major-enforcement-reform-1560479) — GST Council to Consider These Issues on Wednesday | GST Officers May Lose Arrest Powers as Centre Plans Major Enforcement Reform
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/business/after-rate-overhaul-gst-set-for-next-big-reform-officers-arrest-powers-may-be-scrapped-101791132552536.html) — After rate overhaul, GST set for next big reform; officers' arrest powers may be scrapped
- [navbharatlive.com](https://navbharatlive.com/business/gst-reforms-historic-decision-could-be-taken-at-the-gst-council-meeting-maa19) — GST Reform 3.0: Major Relief for Traders in the Pipeline, a Historic Decision Could Be Taken at the GST Council Meeting.
- [madhyamamonline.com](https://madhyamamonline.com/india/gst-council-may-consider-judicial-approval-for-arrests-higher-prosecution-threshold-1560469) — GST Council may consider judicial approval for arrests, higher prosecution threshold
- [The Rahnuma Daily](https://therahnuma.com/gst-council-meeting-to-look-at-decriminalising-tax-law) — GST Council meeting to look at decriminalising tax law
- [The CSR Journal](https://thecsrjournal.in/gst-rules-big-change-arrest-powers-tax-cases-may-be-removed-and-jail-term-hindi) — Major Changes: Preparations to Abolish the Right to Arrest in GST Rules!
- [namasthe telangana](https://ntnews.com/national/gst-officers-may-lose-arrest-powers-as-gst-council-plans-major-enforcement-reform-2527290) — GST | Key Changes in GST Council.. Removal of Power of Arrest for Officials
- [Unknown](https://aajtak.in/business/news/story/gst-law-changes-tax-officers-arrest-power-prosecution-limit-5-crore-ntc-dhrj-dskc-2661288-2026-10-04) — GST Law to Change Again! Officials' Arrest Powers Could Be Curtailed.
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/business/story/gst-council-arrest-powers-court-approved-arrests-rs-5-crore-prosecution-threshold-3009390-2026-10-04) — GST officers may lose arrest powers as Centre plans major enforcement reform
- [bhaskarlive.in](https://bhaskarlive.in/others/gst-council-meeting-to-look-at-decriminalising-tax-law-2148559) — GST Council meeting to look at decriminalising tax law
- [TV9 Hindi](https://tv9hindi.com/business/gst-council-arrest-powers-5-crore-prosecution-threshold-3925548.html) — Major Changes in GST! Officers' Arrest Powers Will Be Abolished, Relief Will Be Provided Below ₹5 Crore.
- [Orissa POST](https://orissapost.com/after-rate-overhaul-gst-set-for-next-big-reform-officers-arrest-powers-may-be-scrapped) — After rate overhaul, GST set for next big reform; officers' arrest powers may be scrapped - OrissaPOST
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/gst-shake-up-council-weighs-ending-officials-arrest-powers-start-rs-5-crore-prosecution-threshold/articleshow/134675993.cms) — GST 2.0's next move: Council may scrap officers' arrest powers, raise prosecution bar to Rs 5 crore
- [thepamphlet.in](https://thepamphlet.in/gst-arrest-powers-may-be-removed-to-ease-business-concerns-and-strengthen-trust-in-tax-system) — GST arrest powers may be removed to ease business concerns and strengthen trust in tax system - The Pamphlet
- [Social News XYZ](https://socialnews.xyz/2026/10/04/gst-council-meeting-to-look-at-decriminalising-tax-law) — GST Council meeting to look at decriminalising tax law
- [Live Mint](https://livemint.com/economy/gst-arrest-powers-may-be-removed-council-to-discuss-decriminalisation-on-wednesday-law-change-likely-in-winter-session-11791112867891.html) — GST arrest powers may be removed? Council to discuss decriminalisation on Wednesday; law change likely in Winter Session
- [The Hindu Business Line](https://thehindubusinessline.com/economy/gst-law-committee-proposes-higher-prosecution-threshold-shorter-jail-terms/article71543067.ece) — GST Law Committee proposes higher prosecution threshold, shorter jail terms
- [theliberacy.com](https://theliberacy.com/2026/10/04/gst-arrest-powers-may-be-removed-what-the-proposed-reform-means-for-businesses-and-taxpayers) — GST Arrest Powers May Be Removed: What the Proposed Reform Means for Businesses and Taxpayers
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/business/no-more-arrests-under-gst-centre-states-weigh-decriminalisation-ahead-of-council-meet-7631965.html) — No More Arrests Under GST? Centre, States Weigh Decriminalisation Ahead of Council Meet
- [ABP News](https://abplive.com/business/gst-council-may-scrap-arrest-powers-decriminalise-offences-in-major-tax-reform-move-decision-on-october-7-3197393) — Major Changes in GST! No Arrests for Tax Evasion? Decision on October 7th
- [Mathrubhumi](https://mathrubhumi.com/news/india/centre-curtail-power-of-gst-officials-cr2lv6m8) — Power of Arrest May Be Removed; Center to Curtail Powers of GST Officials, Action Follows Complaints
- [Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd](https://asianetnews.com/india-news/union-government-moves-to-curb-arrest-in-gst-fraud-cases-articleshow-k0b4nq0) — Central Government to Propose Amendments to the Law to Avoid Arrests in GST Evasion Cases
- [Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/business/arrest-powers-gst-regime-tax-authorities-10905662) — GST arrest powers on way out amid concerns over taxmen’s overreach

## Questions

**What is the GST Council considering regarding taxpayer arrests?**

The GST Council is considering removing the power of tax authorities to arrest taxpayers under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law. This proposal aims to reduce concerns about harassment and improve the ease of doing business in India.

**What is the proposed change to the prosecution threshold?**

The prosecution threshold for tax evasion may be raised from the current Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore. This means that criminal prosecution for tax evasion would only be initiated for cases involving amounts of Rs 5 crore or more.

**When is the GST Council meeting scheduled to discuss these proposals?**

These proposals are expected to be discussed at the 57th GST Council meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 7 October.

---

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