Kerala High Court
George K.P vs Union Of India
Author: K. Vinod Chandran
Bench: K.Vinod Chandran
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.VINOD CHANDRAN
FRIDAY,THE 31ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2014/9TH KARTHIKA, 1936
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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PETITIONER(S):
--------------------------
1. GEORGE K.P.
S/O.K.T.PAILY, MANAGER (P&I), MRCMPU LTD.,
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
2. RAMESAN P.A
S/O.ARAVINDAKSHAN NAIR, MANAGER (MKTDG) MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
3. KESAVAN V.N
S/O.V.K.NEELAKANDAN NAMBIAR, SR.MANAGER (P&M)
MRCMPU LTD, HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
4. BABU VARGHESE
S/O.A.J.VARGHESE, MANAGER (PP), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
5. SELVAKUMAR G
S/O.GENAPATHY NAYANAR, SR.MANAGER (P&I), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
6. AJITHKUMAR K
S/O.DAMODARAN NAIR C, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER
MRCMPU LTD, HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
7. JAYANARAYANAN V.T
S/O.V.T.GOPALAKRISHNAN, ACCOUNTS OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
8. PREMANANDAN K
S/O.ASHOKAN NAIR, ASST.MANAGER (MTLS), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
9. ROOPESH N.P
S/O.UNNIKIDAVU, TECHNICAL OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
10. SURESH KUMAR P.S
S/O.SETHUMADHAVAN M.P,PROGRAMMER (MIS&S) MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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11. CHANDINI P.P
D/O.KUMARAN, PA TO MD (HG2), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
12. ANIE P.C
W/O.T.A.LUCKOSE, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
P.O KOZHIKODE.
13. JACOB THOMAS
S/O.JACOB V.T, SR.MANAGER (F&A), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
14. SANTHOSH P.R
S/O.RAMAKRISHNAPILLA, MARKETING OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
15. JOS SIMON M
S/O.OUSEPH SIMON, ASST.MANAGER (P&I), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
16. SURESH R
S/O.K.RAGHAVAN NAIR, ASST.MANAGER (P&1), MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
17. ABRAHAM M
S/O.MATHAN, ASST.MANAGER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
18. MATHEW T
S/O.THOMAS T.T, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
19. RAVEENDRAN C
S/O.KANARAN C, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
20. VASUDHEVAN K.R
S/O.RAMAN, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
21. PUSHPARAJAN C.A
S/O.APPUNNI, MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
HO KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE.
22. SUKUMARAN K.K
S/O.PAPPAN KUNJAN, ASST.MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER
MRCMPU LTD, PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O.
23. GEROGEKUTTY K.K
S/O.K.P.KURIAKOSE, ASST.MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER
MRCMPU LTD, KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE.
24. BHARATHA BHUSHAN K
S/O.K.NARAYANAN, ASST.MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER
MRCMPU LTD, KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE.
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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25. MOHANADASAN P
S/O.SUBHRAMANIYAN, ASST.MILK PROCUREMENT OFFICER
MRCMPU LTD, KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE.
26. JAMES K.C
S/O.M.K.CHAKOCHAN, MANAGER (PP&P), DIARY MANAGER
MILMA, KANNUR DIARY.
27. RATHEESAN M.K
S/O.LATE M.KRISHNAN, ASST.MANAGER (ACCOUNTS), MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
28. GOPI K.S
S/O.SANKARAN K.G, ASST.MANAGER (QC), MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
29. SAJEENDRAN T.V
S/O.LATE K.M.BALAKRISHNAN NAIR
ASST.MANAGER (MARKETING) MILMA, KANNUR DIARY.
30. BOBY KURIAKOSE
S/O.M.J.KURIAKOSE, DEPUTY ENGINEER, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
31. CHANDRALAL T.R
S/O.K.THULASEEDHARAN, DEPUTY ENGINEER, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
32. ARBIN M BHASKAR
S/O.M.A.BHASKARAN, TECHNICAL OFFICER, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
33. RAMAMOORTHY P.K
S/O.P.R.KRISHNA IYER, ASST.STORE OFFICER, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
34. RAJEEV KUMAR T
S/O.KUNHAPPA, ASST.MARKETING OFFICER, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
35. RESHMA MOHAN
D/O.MOHAN T.G, TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
36. ARJUN G
S/O.GOPALAN M.M, TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
37. RESHMI T.RAJAN
D/O.M.RAJAN, DIARY CHEMIST, MILMA
KANNUR DIARY.
38. VIJAYAKUMARAN K.M
S/O.V.M.KRISHNAN NAMBISAN, SENIOR MANAGER
KOZHIKODE DIARY,KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE 673 571.
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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39. THOMAS T.M
S/O.MATHEW T.J, MANAGER ACCOUNTS, MRCMPU LTD
KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE DIARY.
40. RAGHAVAN K.K
S/O.K.V.KANNAN, MANAGER (MARKETING), KOZHIKODE DIARY.
41. MATHEW VARHGESE
S/O. A.V.MATHEW
TECHNICAL OFFICER/MANAGER MCP NILAMBUR
MALAPPURAM DISTRICT, KERALA 679 329.
42. RAMACHANDRAN K
KALATHIYATH, S/O.U.BALAKRISHNAN NAIR
ASST.MANAGER (P&M), MRCMPU LTD, KOZHIKODE DIARY
KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE.
43. RADHAKRISHNAN S
S/O.P.SRIDHARAN NAIR, ASST.MANAGER (P&M), MRCMPU LTD
CENTRAL PRODUCTS DIARY, BEYPORE NORTH
KOZHIKODE 673 315.
44. RAGHUNATHAN P
S/O.P.BALAN, DEPUTY ENGINEER, MRCMPU LTD
KOZHIKODE DIARY,PERINGOLAM, KUNNAMANGALAM.
45. RAMESH V MENON
S/O.U.ACHUTHAMENON, TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT
KOZHIKODE, DIARY, KUNNAMANGALAM
KOZHIKODE 673 671.
46. ANIL KUMAR I.S
S/O.I.SANKARAN, TECHNICAL OFFICER, MILMA
KOZHIKODE DIARY,KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE 673 571.
47. NIRISH S
S/O.K.SUKUMARAN, TECHNICAL OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
KOZHIKODE DIARY,KUNNAMANGALAM, KOZHIKODE 673 571.
48. VINOD KUMAR R.S
S/O.R.S.PILLAI, QUALITY CONTROL OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
KOZHIKODE DIARY,KUNNAMANGALAM P.O, KOZHIKODE 673 571.
49. VALSALA K
S/O.SANKARANARAYANAN, ASST.ACCOUNTS OFFICER, MRCMPULTD
KOZHIKODE DIARY,PERINGOLAM.
50. BIJEESH M
S/O.MOHAN KUMAR, STORES OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
KOZHIKODE DIARY,KUNNAMANGALAM.
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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51. RAMARAJ M.K
S/O.GANGADHARAN NAIR, ASSISTANT MANAGER (P&A)
KOZHIKODE DIARY.
52. GOPALAKRISHNAN P
S/O.PONNUNAMBI, MANAGER (PP/P&M), MRCMPU LTD
TMR PLANT, PALAKKAD.
53. MARY SAMUEL
D/O.K.G.SAMUEL, ASST.MANAGER (QC), MANAGER
MRCMPU LTD, PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O
PALAKKAD 678 005.
54. BABY SHEELA V
D/O.C.M.VELAYUDHAN
ASST.MANAGER (MRKTG) I/C. MRCMPU LTD, PALAKKAD DIARY
KALLEPULLYP.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
55. SAGAR S
S/O.K.K.SUKUMARAN, MARKETING OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
56. JAYACHANDRAN V
S/O.R.VELANDY,ASST.MANAGER (QC), MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KELLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 676 005.
57. FRANCIS XAVIER K.A
S/O.K.G.ANGELO, ASST.MANAGER (P&A), MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
58. CHANDRASEKHARAN A
S/O.K.ANDY, DEPUTY ENGINEER, MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
59. SATHEESHCHANDRAN V.R
S/O.RAMAKRISHNAPILLAI, TECH.SUPDT. MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
60. GOKULANATHAN A.N
S/O.A.NARAYANAMENON, ASST.STORE OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
61. SAJEESH M
S/O.K.V.PRABHAKARAN, MARKETING OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
PALAKKAD DIARY, KALLEPULLY P.O, PALAKKAD 678 005.
62. KONDA D.S
S/O.SUBBAIH, DIARY MANAGER, MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
63. SASI P.B
S/O.BHASKKARAN, ASST.MANAGER (MKTG), MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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64. THOMAS V.J
S/O.JOSEPH V.V,TS (ENGG), MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
65. SUDHEER P.S
S/O.SANKARANKUTTY PANIKKAR, T.S (ENGG), MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
66. MURALEEDHARAN E
S/O.KRISHNAKURUPPU, T.S (LAB), MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
67. AJITH T.JOHN
S/O.JOHN, ASST.MARKETING OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
CHUZHALI, KALPETTA P.O, WAYANAD.
68. PREMLAL N.K
S/O.N.K.PILLAI, MANAGER (PP/P&M), MRCMPU LTD
KASARAGOD DIARY, KANHANGAD, KASARAGOD.
69. SHAJIMON K.K
S/O.MATHEW KURIAKOSE, ASST.MANAGER (P&M), MRCMPU LTD
ANANDRASRAMAM P.O, KASARAGODE.
70. ARUN P
S/O.RAVINDRANATH K, TECHNICAL OFFICER, MRCMPU LTD
KASARAGOD DIARY.
71. RAJEESH R.K
S/O.KRISHNAN K.A, TS (ENG), MRCMPU LTD
KASARAGOD DIARY.
72. THOMAS P.KURIEN
S/O.KURIEN THOMAS, T.S (P), MRCMPU LTD
KASARAGOD DIARY.
73. NISAR BAVA M.K
S/O.MUHAMMED M.K TS(P), MRCMPU LTD, KASARAGOD DIARY.
74. SANJU SUNNY
S/O.SUNNY P. ABRAHAM, DIARY CHEMIST/BACTERIOLOGIST
MRCMPU LTD, KASARAGOD DIARY.
BY ADVS.SRI.K.SASIKUMAR
SRI.R.ROHITH
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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RESPONDENT(S):
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1. UNION OF INDIA
REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI 110 001.
2. CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANIZATION, HEAD OFFICE
BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, NEW DELHI, 110 066.
3. REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO)
MINISTRY OF LABOUR
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, PATTOM
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -695 001.
4. REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER,
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO)
SUB REGIONAL OFFICE, ERANHIPALAM, KOZHIKODE 673 006.
5. REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO)
SUB REGIONAL OFFICE, VEEKAY COMPLEX, FORT ROAD
KANNUR 670 003.
6. MALABAR REGIONAL CO-OPERATIVE MILK PRODUCERS UNION LTD
HEAD OFFICE, PERINGLOAM, KUNNAMANGALAM P.O
KOZHIKODE 673 571
REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR.
R1 BY ADV. SRI.N.NAGARESH, ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL
R6 BY ADV. SRI.K.ANAND (SR.)
R6 BY ADV. SMT.LATHA KRISHNAN
R BY SMT.T.N.GIRIJA, SC,EPF ORGANISATION
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON
31-10-2014, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C).No. 23447 of 2014 (E)
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APPENDIX
PETITIONER(S)' EXHIBITS:
-------------------------------------
EXHIBIT P1: COPY OF THE ABOVE SAID CIRCULAR NO.PENSION/MISC./2005.
EXHIBIT P2: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 19.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH AND 5TH RESPONDENTS IN RESPECT OF
THE EMPLOYEES OF THE HEAD OFFICE.
EXHIBIT P3: COPY OF THE ANOTHER LETTER DATED 22.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE
6TH RESPONDENT TO THE 5TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE HEAD OFFICE.
EXHIBIT P4: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 19.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE KANNUR DIARY.
EXHIBIT P5: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 22.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 5TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE KOZHIKODE DIARY.
EXHIBIT P6: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 22.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE PALAKKAD DIARY.
EXHIBIT P7: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 22.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE WAYANAD DIARY.
EXHIBIT P8: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 22.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 5TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF THE
EMPLOYEES OF THE KASARAGOD DIARY.
EXHIBIT P9: COPY OF THE ANOTHER LETTER DATED 27.08.14 FORWARDED BY
THE 6TH RESPONDENT TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN RESPECT OF
THE EMPLOYEES OF THE KASARAGOD.
EXHIBIT P10: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 28.08.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT.
EXHIBIT P11: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 28.8.14 FORWARDED BY THE 6TH
RESPONDENT TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT.
EXHIBIT P12: COMPARITIVE TABLE SHOWING DETAILS OF EACH OF THE
PETITIONERS THEIR EPF NOS. DATE OF JOINING SERVICE, DATES
WHEN THEIR PAY EXCEEDED THE CEILING LIMIT, ETC.
EXHIBIT P13: COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT DATED
4.11.11 IS WPC 9929/07.
EXHIBIT P14: COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 24.2.12 IN WPC 7878/11.
EXHIBIT P15: COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 5.3.13 IN WA 1137/12 OF THIS
HONOURABLE COURT.
EXHIBIT P16: COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 31.10.13 FORWARDED BY THE 4TH
RESPONDENT TO THEIR COUNTERPART IN KOCHI.
RESPONDENT(S)' EXHIBITS: NIL
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/TRUE COPY/
P.A. TO JUDGE
AK
K. VINOD CHANDRAN, J.
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W.P.(C) No. 23447 of 2014
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Dated this the 31st day of October, 2014
J U D G M E N T
I have heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents 2, 3, 4 and 5, the learned Assistant Solicitor General appearing for the 1st respondent and the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the 6th respondent.
2. The petitioners in the Writ Petition are the employees of the 6th respondent. Admittedly, the petitioners are covered under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the Employees Pension Scheme, 1995. The petitioners had salary above Rs.6500/-, and are stated to have exercised an option under Section 26(6) of the Act. However, the Provident Fund Organization disputes the exercise of joint option by the employer and the employee; and asserts that W.P.(C) No. 23447/2014 -2- it has not been done.
3. Be that as it may, it is admitted that the contribution to the Provident Fund being 12% of the total salary deducted as employees contribution and the 12% paid by the employer, were remitted to the Organization. As per the provisions of the Pension Scheme 8.33% of the contribution from the employer, is to be deducted and credited to the Pension Fund. However, in making such deduction, the Provident Fund Organization limited it to 8.33% of the maximum salary provided, ie., Rs.6500/-. The balance contribution made by the employer for the salary in excess of Rs.6,500/-, was fully retained in the Provident Fund Account itself.
4. The petitioners contend that such a retention was made by the Organization without reference to the statute. The cut-off date prescribed being 01.12.2004 is also against the statutory provisions and does not have any nexus with W.P.(C) No. 23447/2014 -3- the object sought to be achieved, is the argument. This Court has by judgment in W.P.(C) Nos. 6643 & 9929 of 2007, dated 04.11.2011, held that the cut-off date prescribed is without jurisdiction and that the Organization could not have retained the 8.33% of the employer's contribution, proportionate to the salary in excess of Rs.6,500/- in the Provident Fund Account and that it ought to have been credited to the Pension Scheme. The aforesaid judgment, of a learned Single Judge was also confirmed in appeal. The amounts, being 8.33% contribution in excess of the earlier prescribed limit of Rs. 6,500/- in any event, have been retained with the Provident Fund Organization and what would be required to comply, with the judgments of this Court, is only book adjustments.
5. Following the binding precedents, this writ petition is also disposed of directing that the 8.33% of the employer's contribution, proportionate to the salary of the W.P.(C) No. 23447/2014 -4- employee, in excess of Rs.6,500/-, shall now be credited to the Pension Scheme and orders passed in accordance with law. Needless to say the interest accrued in the Provident Fund Account to that extent also will stand transferred to the Pension Account.
6. The extant employees shall also submit joint applications, along with their employer wherever the same has not been done. The directions above noted shall be complied within three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.
The writ petition is allowed. No costs.
Sd/-
K.VINOD CHANDRAN, JUDGE jjj