The doctrine of equivalence in the context of GST laws means that consumption of goods and consumption of services is similar since both satisfy human wants. However, courts have held that it is not an absolute principle and provisions in GST laws can detract from the doctrine of equivalence.
Need a hint?
Shame on you … well, not really but think of it this way: nothing is ideal!
In UOI v VKC Footsteps India Pvt Ltd AIR 2021 SC 4407, the Supreme Court observed that if the Parliament has decided that equivalence between goods and services should be progressively realised then it is within the realm of policy. While ideals of tax policy may require doctrine of equivalence to be implemented, realpolitik may prevent its immediate realization.