November 1, 1996 … Shiv Sena was a BJP coalition government. To raise funds for Shiv Udyog Sena, Shiv Sena organized a program of pop singer Michael Jackson in Mumbai. There was a lot of discussion about this event at the time.
Wizcraft was the company that hosted Jackson’s event. Entertainment tax was waived for ‘bit music’. But the decision to waive the entertainment tax for pop music was taken during the then coalition government. At that time, the consumer panchayat took the matter to court.
The court ordered Wizcraft to pay entertainment tax of Rs 3 crore 33 lakh 76. This amount had to be paid to Wizcraft Company.
Now, after 24 years of hearing, the Shiv Sena-led government has decided to refund the entertainment fee to the organizing company.
Industry Minister Subhash Desai said, “Since 1974, the government has exempted various western music programs from entertainment tax. Therefore, the decision was taken by the then cabinet in 1996. But it was challenged in court. After that, it was decided to refund the entertainment tax of Rs 3.33 crore that the government had collected in this regard. “
What’s the matter?
Shiv Udyog Sena was established to create employment for the unemployed. At the initiative of Raj Thackeray, Michael Jackson was brought to India for the event to raise funds for Shiv Udyog Sena.
Raj Thackeray, Sonali Bendre and Sharmila Thackeray were present to bring Jackson from the airport. Jackson was greeted in the traditional way.
Jackson’s event in Mumbai was a great success. At the time, the coalition government waived the entertainment fee without paying the entertainment fee for the event. The coalition government’s decision was controversial.
Mumbai Consumer Panchayat filed a PIL in the High Court. The High Court quashed the state government’s decision on entertainment charges, giving the consumer panchayat and the Wizcraft company an opportunity to present their case.
The state government argued that the fee waiver was appropriate, citing similarities between pop music and beat music. The Consumer Panchayat raised the issue that the purpose for which the fee waiver is given is not the intention of Shiv Udyog Sena. But the rights of entertainment fee waiver belong to the state government. They can be given this fee waiver. The revenue department had argued that the court should consider the matter.
Consumer Panchayat’s letter to CM?
Mumbai Consumer Panchayat has said that it is not appropriate to waive this amount in the current situation. Ad Shirish Deshpande, working president of the consumer panchayat, told BBC Marathi: “Currently, the state’s financial situation is dire due to the corona. The earlier waiver was meant for Shiv Udyog Sena to work for the unemployed.
At present Shiv Udyog Sena does not exist. Then we think it is unfair and illegal to pay the organizers. Apart from that, the state government should deposit this money in the Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund and use it for the Kovid victims. “
What was the criticism at that time?
In the 90’s, ‘Michael Jackson’ was very popular all over the world. His dance also had an impact on Bollywood actors in India.
Journalist Hemant Desai says, “At that time, the issue of Michael Jackson coming to Mumbai was very popular. Opponents at the time were critical of this question. Shiv Sena was opposed to Western culture. Shiv Sena had to face criticism for bringing the singer “.
He further said, “If the entertainment tax is waived, many such artists will come to Mumbai. The Shiv Sena had proposed a role that would uplift the industry and entertainment sector. It doesn’t look like it was created. “
