The Supreme Court has ruled that television broadcasting includes both a service and entertainment, and each part can be taxed separately by different authorities.
Experts say this decision could lead to higher taxes not just for TV channels but also for streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and even gaming apps that rely on subscriptions.
Watching your favorite shows and movies on apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+ Hotstar might soon cost you more. This is because these platforms could face extra taxes, and that usually means one thing: higher prices for the people who use them.
Think of it like this: with platforms having to pay double the tax, they could add that cost to the price. With tax from both the center for broadcasting and the state for content consumption, these companies may decide to raise subscription charges to cover the extra expense. This might not happen overnight, but the direction is clear. With growing talks about tax changes for online entertainment, the road ahead could lead to steeper monthly or yearly plans.
For viewers who already pay for multiple platforms, this might mean making choices, maybe dropping one app or sharing subscriptions to manage the rising costs. While entertainment has become more personal and easily available thanks to these apps, it might slowly start to feel a bit more like a luxury.
In the end, how much more we’ll pay depends on how companies decide to respond. But for now, it’s safe to say that online entertainment may not stay as affordable as it used to be. So if you’ve been enjoying your favourite binge sessions without thinking twice, you might soon notice a little more weight on your wallet.