Karnataka Small Traders Threaten Statewide Shutdown on July 25 Over GST Notices

BM TEAM

Bengaluru: Small traders across Karnataka have announced a statewide shutdown on July 25 in protest against GST demand notices served by the Commercial Tax Department. The affected businesses include condiments sellers, bakeries, tea stalls, vegetable vendors, and other roadside shops.

The Karnataka State Karmika Parishat has issued an ultimatum to the state government, demanding the withdrawal of the tax notices by July 24. Failing that, the group says the bandh will proceed as planned.

“In many cases, the tax demands run into lakhs or even crores,” said Ravi Shetty Byndoor, a representative of the Parishat. “Thousands of small traders have received these show-cause notices, which we believe are arbitrary and unfair. These are businesses that mostly operate on small margins.”

As a precursor to the protest, Shetty added that milk-based product sales will be suspended on July 23 and 24 as a mark of resistance.

The association also alleged that authorities have threatened to freeze bank accounts and shut down shops if dues are not cleared by July 21.

In Bengaluru alone, there are reportedly over 66,000 condiment stores and bakeries that could be affected by the crackdown. A major protest is scheduled to be held at Freedom Park on the day of the bandh, with participation expected from traders and their families.