Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold in GST Evasion Case, Slams NMC for Outdated LGBTQIA+ Medical Curriculum

The Madras High Court upheld the confiscation of gold in a GST evasion case, criticizing the jeweller’s transport method. It also condemned the National Medical Commission’s outdated use of “gender identity disorder” in its curriculum, urging a more inclusive approach to LGBTQIA+ education. The court further questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s separate policies for transgender and intersex individuals, recommending a unified strategy.

CONTENTS:

• Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold in GST Evasion Case; Residents Protest Over Water Supply Issues in Krishnagiri
• Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold Jewellery in GST Violation Case
• Madras High Court Criticizes NMC for Outdated Medical Curriculum on Gender Identity, Advocates for Unified LGBTQIA+ Policy
• Madras High Court Criticizes NMC’s Use of ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ in Curriculum, Calls for Unified LGBTQIA+ Policy

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold in GST Evasion Case, Slams NMC for Outdated LGBTQIA+ Medical Curriculum

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold in GST Evasion Case; Residents Protest Over Water Supply Issues in Krishnagiri

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold The Madras High Court has upheld a confiscation notice issued by the Tamil Nadu State GST authorities against a gold trading company, Mukti Gold Private Limited, for attempting to evade taxes. The company transported gold ornaments worth Rs. 8.37 crore under the guise of showcasing them at an exhibition in Mumbai.

However, authorities argued that the primary intent was to evade tax. The vehicle carrying the gold was intercepted by the police in Cuddalore, and after an inquiry, the authorities issued a notice for confiscation under Section 130 of the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax (TNGST) Act. The company contested the notice, stating the gold was intended solely for display. However, the court ruled that there was enough prima facie evidence of tax evasion, based on discrepancies such as incorrect weight documentation, to justify the authorities’ action. The court instructed the company to file a response to the notice, which the authorities will consider before making a final decision.

Separately, residents of Jingalur village in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, have protested over a year-long water supply issue. Over 35 families gathered at the district collectorate demanding regular water access, as they have been forced to purchase water from a tractor at a cost of Rs 700 twice a week. The villagers also rely on nearby households and an open well for drinking and washing water. Despite previous attempts to resolve the issue with the rural development department, the water supply remains irregular. The issue has now been forwarded to the rural development department for further action.

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold Jewellery in GST Violation Case

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold The Madras High Court recently upheld the confiscation of gold jewellery that a jeweller claimed was being transported from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu for display at exhibitions and to potential resellers. The court observed that the transport violated Goods and Services Tax (GST) provisions, which are designed to provide flexibility in the transport procedure. The court’s ruling highlighted that the jeweller’s actions breached GST rules, despite the claim of the goods being for exhibition purposes, and upheld the confiscation notice issued by the authorities. The case involved three petitions and underscored the need to comply with the proper GST transport protocols.

Madras High Court Criticizes NMC for Outdated Medical Curriculum on Gender Identity, Advocates for Unified LGBTQIA+ Policy

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold The Madras High Court has criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) for its medical curriculum, which continues to use the term “Gender Identity Disorder,” expressing concern that it undermines efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Justice Anand Venkatesh, known for advocating LGBTQIA+ rights, stated that referring to gender identity as a disorder reflects an outdated mindset, especially since nature creates individuals with diverse identities. The court was particularly upset by the NMC’s position that topics like homosexuality should not be part of the medical curriculum, arguing that if the NMC hesitates to educate on such matters, it is unrealistic to expect schools, which have less scientific grounding, to address them.

The court emphasized the need for accurate scientific education on these issues, criticizing the NMC for reverting to an outdated stance despite previous recommendations for positive changes. Regarding conversion therapy, the court noted that the NMC’s regulations had not yet included it as professional misconduct, suggesting that interim steps should be taken until new regulations are implemented.

The court also discussed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) policy, with the state informing the court that it was nearing finalization. However, the court raised concerns about separate policies for transgender and intersex people, suggesting that a unified policy might be more effective. The state was asked to present both policies for further discussion, aiming to avoid future litigation and ensure the policy’s effectiveness. The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for further proceedings.

Madras High Court Criticizes NMC’s Use of ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ in Curriculum, Calls for Unified LGBTQIA+ Policy

Madras High Court Upholds Confiscation of Gold On February 3, 2025, the Madras High Court expressed strong objections to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) curriculum, which continued to use the term “gender identity disorder.” Justice N Anand Venkatesh criticized the NMC for using such outdated language, emphasizing that it reflects an old-fashioned mindset.

The court remarked that LGBTQIA+ individuals are natural, and their gender identities and sexual orientations should not be classified as disorders. Justice Venkatesh stressed that such terminology undermines the efforts made by courts to promote change and understanding.

The court was also concerned about the NMC’s stance that issues like homosexuality should not be included in medical education since they are taught in schools. Justice Venkatesh pointed out that if the NMC, an institution with a scientific approach, hesitated to address these issues, it was unrealistic to expect schools with less scientific training to do so effectively.

The court further criticized the NMC for not adopting earlier recommendations made by a 2022 committee to update the curriculum, and for not implementing changes that would categorize conversion therapy as professional misconduct. The NMC’s 2023 regulations, which were meant to address these issues, had not yet been implemented.

Additionally, during the hearing, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court about two proposed policies for the welfare of transgender, intersex, and LGBTQIA+ people. Justice Venkatesh raised concerns about having separate policies for transgender and intersex individuals, suggesting it might cause confusion. He requested a report on the potential challenges of creating a unified policy. The next hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2025.