The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has procured 405 air purifiers over the past four years for use in government offices, chambers, and VIP lounges. This move comes amid growing concerns about air quality in Delhi and other Indian cities, particularly during the winter months when air quality index (AQI) levels often reach hazardous levels.

Air purifiers have become increasingly common in households and offices as a means of filtering particulate matter and improving indoor air quality. However, the procurement raises questions about the prioritization of resources and whether such measures adequately address the broader issue of air pollution.

Recently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking to classify air purifiers as "medical devices" under the Medical Devices Rules 2017. The petition aimed to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on air purifiers from 18% to 5%, arguing that they cannot be treated as luxury items considering the "extreme emergency crisis" caused by air pollution in Delhi. The Centre has opposed this PIL, stating that reclassifying air purifiers would be counter-productive, subjecting them to additional regulatory compliance. The central government has also told the Delhi High Court that courts cannot direct a cut in the GST on air purifiers or re-classify them as “medical devices” to bring them under a lower tax slab. The Centre emphasized that decisions on GST rates, classifications, and exemptions fall exclusively within the mandate of the GST Council and that judicial intervention in such fiscal matters is constitutionally impermissible.

The court has granted the petitioner time to file a rejoinder, with the next hearing scheduled for March 19. The outcome of this petition could have significant implications for the affordability and accessibility of air purifiers for the general public.