A public exchange on social media between noted investor Mohandas Pai and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has triggered fresh debate over the scope of powers under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

On Friday, Pai tagged Sitharaman in a post questioning the arrest of a bank chief executive in connection with a GST investigation involving a business partner. “How can a CEO of a regulated bank be arrested for an issue with a business partner? Is this not overreach?” Pai wrote, urging intervention and asking what safeguards exist for citizens against potential misuse of GST powers. He also tagged the Ministry of Finance in his message.

Responding within an hour, Sitharaman acknowledged the concern, stating briefly: “Thanks for sharing this. Will check.”

Bank Clarification

The controversy stems from a public disclosure dated February 27, 2026, by Fino Payments Bank Limited. In the statement, the bank said the issue relates to “a GST investigation pertaining to our business partner(s)” and asserted that the bank and its Managing Director & CEO, Rishi Gupta, “have nothing to do with the actions of the business partner(s).”

The bank emphasized that it maintains strong corporate governance and compliance frameworks, and that it is fully compliant with all applicable laws, including GST regulations. It further said it has full faith in the judiciary and would cooperate with authorities during the ongoing process.

The statement also sought to reassure customers and investors that operations remain uninterrupted and that there would be no impact on services.

Read More: DGGI Hyderabad Arrests Fino Payments Bank MD Rishi Gupta