New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on group insurance premiums paid by its members.

Representing a community of over 23,000 Supreme Court practitioners, the SCBA emphasised that the current 18 per cent GST rate imposes a significant financial burden, making welfare schemes less accessible to advocates.

In a letter signed by SCBA President Vikas Singh, the association highlighted the disparity between advocates and salaried professionals, who benefit from government-backed social security programs, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Employees' State Insurance (ESI). With...