MyVoice: Views of our readers 6th October 2026

Go in for periodic independent audits

This refers to “Decriminalising GST regime augurs well” (THI, October 5). Small traders often operate with limited accounting support and may inadvertently make compliance mistakes. Treating every serious discrepancy as a criminal matter can impose disproportionate costs on such businesses. The better approach is to distinguish between an honest error and intentional tax evasion. Minor violations should attract graded monetary penalties, while wilful fraud should continue to face stringent action. GST authorities could issue clearer compliance advisories and provide a reasonable correction window before prosecution. Such measures would reduce disputes and litigation. A taxpayer-friendly enforcement system does not mean a weak tax system. Predictable rules and proportionate penalties can encourage voluntary compliance, improve business confidence and strengthen GST collections consistently across the country, with less fear for small businesses and traders.

Abbharna Barathi, Chennai - 23

Reform must create greater trust

This is further to “Decriminalising GST regime augurs well” (THI, October 5), the proposed change offers an opportunity to review the wider philosophy of tax administration. Compliance works best when taxpayers see the system as predictable, fair and proportionate. Criminal law should be reserved for conduct that clearly merits criminal treatment. Administrative mistakes, delayed filings and disputed interpretations can normally be addressed through graded penalties and corrective mechanisms. The government must also strengthen detection of deliberate fraud and recover evaded revenue efficiently. Publishing clear prosecution guidelines would reduce uncertainty and limit discretionary action. Periodic independent audits of enforcement practices could improve accountability. Decriminalisation, combined with these safeguards, can support ease of doing business without compromising tax discipline. The test should be whether reform creates greater trust, quicker resolution and effective revenue protection.

S P Suganya Devi, Coimbatore

Calls for a common national framework

Apropos “Decriminalising GST regime augurs well” (THI, Oct 5), there is another issue: consistency in enforcement across States. Businesses operating in several States should not face different interpretations or enforcement practices for similar compliance issues. A common national framework is necessary for GST to function as a unified market. The GST Council could prescribe enforcement standards, including thresholds for prosecution, documentation requirements and safeguards before arrest. Regular publication of anonymised enforcement data would also help assess whether the system is applied fairly. Taxpayers should be encouraged to correct genuine mistakes without prolonged confrontation. Uniformity will reduce uncertainty and administrative discretion. Decriminalisation, supported by standardised procedures and transparent oversight, can make GST enforcement predictable while retaining powers to deal firmly with deliberate and large-scale tax evasion and fairer enforcement.

A Senthil Kumar, Kaniyur-641659

The objective should be smarter enforcement

Tax administration must balance authority with accountability. Officers need adequate powers to investigate fraud, but taxpayers also need protection against arbitrary use of those powers. One safeguard would be mandatory written approval from a senior officer before arrest, supported by documented evidence and review. Complaints about misuse should have an independent channel for examination. Genuine fraud involving organised networks, forged invoices or deliberate concealment should face swift prosecution. Such differentiation is essential for public confidence. The objective should not be softer enforcement, but smarter enforcement. If GST authorities combine technology, evidence-based investigation and procedural safeguards, the government can protect revenue while ensuring that honest businesses are not subjected to avoidable fear, disruption or prolonged litigation unnecessarily and unnecessary business disruption.

B A Avyaan, Perundurai-638052

Balanced GST enforcement needed

This is in reference to “Decriminalising GST regime augurs well”. Decriminalisation should not weaken action against deliberate evasion, fake invoicing or organised tax fraud. A clear distinction between honest mistakes and willful violations is essential. The government should strengthen risk-based scrutiny, digital audit trails and appellate mechanisms to reduce prolonged disputes. Penal provisions must remain proportionate, predictable and subject to procedural safeguards. Taxpayer education and simplified compliance can prevent inadvertent defaults. A balanced GST enforcement policy would improve trust among businesses while protecting revenue and ensuring that economic offences face effective deterrence.

A C Vineeth Kumar, Thrissur- 680651

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