The GST hike on caramel popcorn to 18%, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has sparked outrage due to the complex tax slabs for popcorn: 5%, 12%, and 18%. The debate centers on the distinction between salted (taxed as 'namkeen') and caramelised popcorn (taxed as 'mithai').

The government has issued a set of answers to the most common questions surrounding GST on popcorn, including classification, varying rates, and whether popcorn prices will increase in theaters.

The GST Council's popcorn tax classification for popcorn raises questions about ingredient-based taxation, sparking criticism from economists and consumers alike.

Social media users slam country’s excessive regulations and high taxation after government’s move to impose three-tier tax on popcorn.

India's move to tax popcorn differently based on its sugar or spice content has drawn criticism from the opposition and sparked social media outrage, with two former government economic advisers questioning the tax system introduced in 2017.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor mocked the GST Council's decision to impose varied popcorn tax slabs, sparking criticism of the system's complexity. Congress leaders called the move absurd, highlighting widespread GST evasion,