Kerala HC says GST Cannot Be Passed On Contrary to Contractual Terms

A successful tenderer paid GST on the amount payable to the Travancore Devaswom Board and sought to collect an additional 18% GST from Chendamelam artists over the prescribed ₹50 fee. The Kerala High Court rejected the claim, holding that the obligation to pay GST and the right to recover it from the recipient are distinct. Since the tender did not permit an additional charge or provide for reimbursement, the writ petition was dismissed.