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High Court of KeralaDivision BenchContempt petition dismissed; no wilful disobedi...

Con.Case(C).No.498/2020 in WP(C).9676/2017

Case / Petition Number:Con.Case(C).No.498/2020
Neutral Citation:/

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • S. Manikumar, Chief Justice
  • Shaji P. Chaly, J
Judgment Date
2020-08-04
Court Decision / Holding
Contempt petition dismissed. The court held there was no wilful or deliberate disobedience by the respondent and found no prima facie case for contempt. It emphasized that contempt powers must be exercised cautiously and only after a proper cause and bona fides of the complainant, and it declined to compel coercive action without fully understanding the judgment’s implications.
Final Disposition
Contempt petition dismissed; no wilful disobedience found; directions to comply with Sasikumar P not enforced through contempt at this stage; matter remains subject to higher court proceedings in SLPs.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Neelakanton M.N
  • Viswakkumar N.
  • J Aison Avarachan
  • Orath.M.A.
  • Swarnammal.K.R
  • Chandrasekharan.M.P.
  • Sivadas.K.V
  • Aghuveeran.M.S
  • Reedharan.N
  • Subhanagham.V
  • Mulreedharan.K
  • Prabhakaran.T.S
  • Sasidharan Nair.P.N
  • Kuruvilla.K
  • Surndaran.V
  • Arumugham.P
  • Joseph.D.Cunjha
  • Haridas.M
  • Ravindaran.M.S
  • Thankan.K.P
  • Kumaran.K.K
  • Xavier.P.P.
  • Saranga Kumar.R
  • George.T.K
  • Lilly.K.V
  • Nirmala Thulasidas
  • Sreekumar.P.N
  • Varghese.K.T
  • Sukumar.N
  • Kayi.T.C
  • Sankaranarayanan.T.S
  • Sree Devi.B
  • Jacob.C.V
  • Ravi.K
  • Mohan.K.G
  • Chellappan.P.K
  • Appukuttan.K.R
  • Sasidharan.R
  • Manoharan.K
  • Chacko.C.C
  • Vincent Didacose
  • Chandran.N
  • Prasad M.George
  • Thomas Chacko
  • Abraham Joseph
  • Krishnakumar.K.P
  • Sebastian.K.P
  • Gopinathan.R
  • Rajan Potty.M.L
  • SreeKumar.P
  • Krishnakumar.K.P
  • Yacob.K.P
  • Abdul Khadar.P.M
  • Simon George
  • Raman.T.N
  • Mohammed Sageer
  • Raghuraman Pillai.R.K
  • Balakrishnan.T
  • Ambujakshan.S
  • Radhekrishnan.C
  • Balan.K.S
  • Jeyamurugan.V
  • George.P.J
  • Gopalakrishnan.O
  • Tomy Mathews
  • Thomas.J.Muricken
  • Panicker.K.S.A
  • Joseph.K.D
  • Vijayan.C
  • Jayaranjan.A.P
  • Sasidharan.K
  • Chandran.P
  • Peter.K.V
  • Rajmohan.S
  • Sasidharan.G
  • Udayabhanu.A.D
  • Prasad K.K
  • Ravindran.K.N
  • Sivasankaran.P.K
  • Kurakkose Mathew.V
  • John Minu Mathew
  • Sasidharan.C.A
  • Augustine.K.K
  • Isidore D. Valera
  • Philip.C.J
  • Mathew K.M (Late)
  • Vidyadharakan.A.K
  • Thankappan.M.K
  • Prasad A.G.
  • Suresh.P.K
  • Nandakumar.E
  • Babykutty.G
  • Alexander.K.C
  • Gangadharan.P.

Respondents

  • Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Kochi Refinery (as employer/7th respondent in W.P.)

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • P.N. Mohanan

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Sajeev Kumar K. Gopal, SC, EPFO

Case Synopsis & Summary

This contempt of court case by petitioners seeks to enforce the directions issued by this Court in Sasikumar P. and others v. Union of India and others, ILR 2019 (1) Kerala 614, relating to pension contributions under the Employees Provident Fund Scheme and the removal of ceilings/limitations on salary for the purpose of pension contributions. The Division Bench of this Court in Sasikumar P had laid down that the ceiling under the pension scheme has no rationale and directed to accept contributions based on actual salaries. The petitioners contended that the respondent (EPFO) and the employer have not complied with these directives and sought contempt action. The respondent disputed wilful disobedience, citing ongoing challenges before the Supreme Court (SLP Nos. 16721-16722/2019, etc.) and the fact that the employer and employees must cooperate to implement the judgment, including deposit and matching contributions. The High Court, after reviewing the record, concluded there was no wilful or deliberate disobedience, found no prima facie contempt, and dismissed the petition. The decision underscores the need for clear compliance with the Sasikumar P directions while recognizing ongoing appellate proceedings in higher courts.

Provisions of Law Cited

Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 – Section 2(b) (wilful disobedience)Contempt of Courts (High Court of Kerala) Rules – Rule 14 (Hearing of the case)Constitution of India – Articles 215 and 225 (High Courts to be courts of record; powers to punish for contempt)

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Contempt powers must be exercised cautiously and only when there is clear, wilful disobedience and the matter affects the dignity of the Court.
  • Powers under the Contempt of Courts Act are a powerful instrument but must be used in the larger interest of justice and society, with bona fides of the complainant examined.
  • Compliance with clear and unambiguous orders is essential to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners submitted that the Welfare Pension scheme and the Sasikumar P directions require the employee-elected contributions under the EPF scheme to be calculated on actual salaries without a salary ceiling. They argued that the Division Bench directed to remove the ceiling and to allow employees to exercise the option without being constrained by a date, and that the respondent EPFO and the employer have not taken steps to sanction pension as per that judgment. They urged the Court to hold the respondent in contempt for wilful non-compliance and to direct immediate compliance and payment of pension.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondent contended that there is no wilful disobedience; Sasikumar P (supra) is under challenge before the Supreme Court (SLP Nos. 16721-16722/2019; batch petitions). It was argued that cooperation between employer and employees is essential to implement the judgment, and that the petitioner has not deposited required amounts nor prompted the employer to comply; thus there is no standalone contemptable action without a proper cause of action and no prima facie case.

Cited Precedents (2)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Sasikumar P. and others v. Union of India and othersILR 2019 (1) Kerala 614PositiveCited as the authority for the directions in Sasikumar P that the pension scheme ceiling should be discarded and contributions should be calculated on actual salaries; the Division Bench’s directions in Sasikumar P bound the respondents to comply.
Anil Ratan Sarkar and others v. Kirak Ghosh and others(2002) 4 SCC 21Mentioned OnlyCited to underscore the principle that contempt powers are powerful but must be exercised cautiously; used as background principle rather than as direct binding authority for the specific outcome.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR.S.MANIKUMAR **&** THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SHAJI P.CHALY TUESDAY, THE 04TH DAY OF AUGUST 2020 / 13TH SRAVANA, 1942 ## Con.Case(C).No.498 OF 2020 IN WP(C). 9676/2017 AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 25.02.2019 IN WP(C) 9676/2017(H) OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA PETITIONERS/PETITIONERS 1 TO 7, 9 TO 77, 79 TO 93, 95 TO 103 & 105: **1** NEELAKANTON M.N AGED 65 YEARS S/O. M NEELAKANDHAN NAMBUTHIRIPAD. MANKUZHI MANA, C-SPICE GARDEN, TRIPUNITHURA -682 301 P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000256 P.P.O NO.KR/KCH/00076734. **2** VISWAKUMAR.N AGED 70 YEARS S/O. P.K. NARAYANAN NAIR, “KARTHIKA”, SHANTHI NAGAR,KINAR JUNCTION, TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301. P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/355 P.P.O.NO **.** KR/KCH/51066. **3 J** AISON AVARACHAN AGED 70 YEARS S/O. M.P. AVARA, MENACHERY HOUSE, KODIKUTHUMALA, ALUVA PO 683101 P.F. A/C. NO. KR/2621/1059, PP.O.A/C NO.KR/KCH/52998. **4 K** ORATH.M.A AGED 73 YEARS S/O. M.K. ABRAHAM. 30/304.A, PATTENCHERY ROAD, POONITHURA PO., COC No. 498/2020 : 2 : PIN-682038 , P.F.A/C. NO.KR/CHN/2621/586, P.P.NO.KR/KCH/44576. **5** SWARNAMMAL.K.R AGED 66 YEARS D/O. K RAMANATHAN, 29/2490E, AANJANEYAM, PETTA,POONITHURA PIN-682 038 P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000338, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/00068990. **6** CHANDRASEKHARAN.M.P AGED 68 YEARS S/O.K. RAMAN NAIR, PANCHAKSHARI,MK ROAD,MURIAMANGALAM, MAMALA.P.O THIRUVAMKULAM PIN-682 302, P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/111 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/PC/62323. **7** SIVADAS.K.V AGED 76 YEARS S/O. GOVINDANKUTTY MENON, TRIKARTHIKA HOUSE,EROOR SOUTH PO.,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/140, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/41490. **8 R** AGHUVEERAN.M.S AGED 66 YEARS S/O.K.S. MENON, SREYA, MARA-5 PARAPPILLY LANE,THIRUVAMKULAM, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000158, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/00076566. **9 S** REEDHARAN.N AGED 68 YEARS S/O.M.P. GOVINDAN NAIR, KALYANI NIVAS KULAPPURAM PO.,VILAYANCODE, KANNUR PIN670 504 P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/868 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/60722. **10** SUBHANAGAM.V AGED 68 YEARS COC No. 498/2020 : 3 : S/O. VENKATA SUBRAMANIAN, PADMALAYA, MKK NAIR, NAGARPALLI, PARAMBUKAVU, TRIPUNITHURA P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/575, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/57397. **11** MURALEEDHARAN.K AGED 73 YEARS S/O.P.V. GOPALAN NAIR, MANDIRAM, PERUNNINAKULAM, IRUMPANAM PO., PIN-682 309, P.F.A/C. NO.KR/2621/632, P.P.O.NO. KR/KCH/42766. **12** PRABHAKARAN.T.S AGED 67 YEARS S/O. SANKARA MENON, KRISHNA PRABHA, 29/2957 GANDHI SQUARE, JAWAHAR ROAD, POONITHURA PIN-682 038, P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/80579, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/66265. **13** SASIDHARAN NAIR. P.N., AGED 67 YEARS S/O. NRAYANAN NAIR, SALABHAM, KADUNGAMANGALAM,THIRUVAMKULAM PO., P.F.A/C NO.KR/2621/193, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/62092. 14 KURUVILLA.K AGED 66 YEARS S/O. K.K. THOMAS, H,NO.1/700, PALACHUVADU,KAKKANAD WEST PO.KOCHI PIN-682 030, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/434, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/68476 15 SUNDARAN.V AGED 65 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN NAIR.P. PARIYARATH, KARALMANNA PO.,CHERPULACHERY VIA, PALGHAT DT. COC No. 498/2020 : 4 : P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/494, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/75592. 16 ARUMUGHAM.P AGED 65 YEARS S/O. PONNAIAN.R., 1898-A, LOURD PARAMBIL,SUBRABHI ROAD, PADIVATTOM,COCHIN-682 024 P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/427, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/73515. 17 JOSEPH .D.CUNJHA AGED 75 YEARS S/O. AUGUSTINE D CUNJHA, ILLICKAL HOUSE, KADUKUTTY PO.,PIN-680 309 P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/300 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/41446. 18 HARIDAS.M AGED 64 YEARS S/O. NGK NAIR MATHILAKATH HOUSE, POONITHURA PO.,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 038 P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/1180, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/87978. - 19 RAVINDARAN.M.S AGED 72 YEARS S/O. SANKARAN, LINSHA HOUSE, PARAPPILLY ROAD,THIRUVAMKULAM PO., 682 305, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/56, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/42752. 20 THANKAN.K.P AGED 72 YEARS S/O.K.R. PARAMEWSARAN, KALLEMAKAL HOUSE, UDAYAMPEROOR PO.,PUTHIYAKAVU, ERNAKULAM PIN-682307, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/507, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/42356. 21 KUMARAN .K.K AGED 72 YEARS S/O. KORAN, SINDHU NIVAS, NEAR KUNNATHKULANGARA COC No. 498/2020 : 5 : TEMPLE,KESAVANPADY, THIRUVAMKULAM, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/145, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/42942. 22 XAVIER.P.P. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. PETER PX, MERRY DALE, THAMARASSERY ROAD, PETTA, ERNAKULAM 682 038, P.F. A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/1004. P.P.O NO. KR/KCK/64553. 23 SARANGA KUMAR.R AGED 63 YEARS S/O. RAGHAVAN, VYSAKH, CHAITHANYA NAGAR, EROOR WEST P.O. 682 306, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/418, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/86603 24 GEORGE.T.K AGED 67 YEARS S/O. T.V. KURIAN, XIII/226, GRACE HOUSE, EROOR SOUTH,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/186, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/66285 25 LILLY.K.V AGED 64 YEARS D/O. K.A. VARKEY, 5D, MERIDIAN SYMPHONY NF GATE,TRIPUNITHURA, P.F.A/C KR/KCH/2621/1776, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/82336. 26 NIRMALA THULASIDAS AGED 66 YEARS D/O. KPR MENON, 29/2581C, HARIGOVIND THOTTUMKAL LANE PETTA,POONITHURA PIN-682 038, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/367, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/70760. 27 SREEKUMAR.P.N AGED 63 YEARS S/O. K.G. PARAMESWARA KURUP, SURABHI, NELLIKKAPPILLIL LANE, POONITHURA PIN-682 038, COC No. 498/2020 : 6 : P.F.A/C. NO.KR/KCH/2621/259, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/86656. 28 VARGHESE.K.T AGED 69 YEARS S/O. THOMAS .K., KALLUMADI HOUSE, THEKKUMBHAGOM,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/703, P.P.O.NO.KR.KCH/61082. 29 SUKUMARAN.N AGED 69 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN.K., KRISHNAVIHAR, AISWARYA NAGAR,CHOORAKKAD, TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/160, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/56902. 30 KAYI.T.C AGED 72 YEARS S/O. T.S. CHANGINI, AJI NIVAS, CRA-57,CHATHARI, TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/84, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/43844. 31 SANKARANARAYANAN.T.S AGED 65 YEARS S/O. T.K. SUBRAMANIA IYER, GAYATHRI, KATTAKKAL ROAD,WEST KALOOR PO., ERNAKULAM PIN-682 017, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/740, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/73931. 32 SREEDEVI.B AGED 67 YEARS D/O. V.R. PRABHAKARAN NAIR, FLAT NO.602 NF GARDEN, NF GATE, TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/221, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/72205. 33 JACOB.C.V AGED 67 YEARS S/O. VARKEY COC No. 498/2020 : 7 : CHAMAKKALAYAIL HOUSE, WEST SIDE OF HILL PALACE,PALACE ENCLAVE-8, COCHIN PLACE PO., PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/157, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/64800 34 RAVI.K AGED 65 YEARS S/O. KUNJAPPAN C.M., KLRA 38, SHARUSHILPAM,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C. NO.KR/KCH/2621/251, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/72790. 35 MOHANAN.K.G AGED 64 YEARS S/O.K.V. GOPALAN, GOPIKA, ALRA-8, EROOR SOUTH PO.,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/235, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/79543. 36 CHELLAPPAN.P.K AGED 67 YEARS S/O. KUTTAN, KAPRAYIL HOUSE, KUMARAPURAM PO.,MORAKKALA WEST PIN683 565, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/275,KR/KCH/6870. 37 APPUKUTTAN.K.R AGED 71 YEARS S/O. RAVI VARMA THIRUMULPADU, KATTAZHATH MADAM,KUMBALAM, KOCHI-682 506, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/164, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/46413. 38 SASIDHARAN.R AGED 68 YEARS S/O. RAGHAVAN.K., VIII/323,SARATH, MJ NAGAR, EROOR SOUTH,TRIPUNITHURA PIN682 306, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/325, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH.56911. 39 MANOHARAN.K AGED 65 YEARS S/O. M.O. KITTTAPPA, ANJANAM, OTTOLIPARAMBU WEST,CANAL LANE, TRIPUNITHURA, COC No. 498/2020 : 8 : P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/288, KR/KCH/75270. 40 CHACKO.C.C AGED 68 YEARS S/O. C U CHACKO, CHAKKANAT HOUSE, KATTIKKUNNU, CHEMBU PO., P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/730, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/56914. 41 VINCENT DIDACOSE AGED 65 YEARS S/O. DIDACOSE V.J., VATTAMAKKAL HOUSE, PONNOTH ROAD,KALOOR, KOCHI-682 017, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/417, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/72356. 42 CHANDRAN.N AGED 66 YEARS S/O.P. NARAYANAN, 29/261, SURABHI, CHAITHANYA NAGAR,EROOR WEST, TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/623, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/68239. 43 PRASAD M.GEORGE AGED 69 YEARS S/O. M.GEORGE VII/320,THASIYIL, ASOKA PURAM,ALUA . P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/260, KR/KCH/55448. 44 THOMAS CHACKO AGED 67 YEARS S/O. T. CHACKO 31/23F, PANCHAVATI ANEX LANE,AMBELIPADAM ROAD, VYTTILA,KOCHI-682 019, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/435, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/68236. 45 ABRAHAM JOSEPH AGED 62 YEARS S/O. P.C. JOSEPH PERINGATTU, UDAYAMPEROOR, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/906. COC No. 498/2020 : 9 : 46 KRISHNA VARRIER.P.K AGED 71 YEARS S/O.K.G. KRISHNA WARRIER, F2, RAJADHANI APARTMENT,WEST LAYAM ROAD,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/55, KR/KCH/48524. 47 SEBASTIAN.K.P AGED 71 YEARS S/O. KD PAILY, KOTTEPPILLY HOUSE, XI/404,NAZARETH ROAD, ALUVA 683 101, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/81, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/49045. 48 GOPINATHAN.R AGED 68 YEARS S/O.K.P. RAGHAVAMENON, INDU VIHAR, BHS ROAD,TRIPUNITHURA,PIN-682 301, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/68, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/57473. 49 RAJAN POTTY.M.L AGED 63 YEARS S/O. LEKSHMINARAYAN POTTI, SOORAJ NIVAS, KANNANKULANGARA,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301,P.F. A/C NO. KR/KCH/2621/238, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/82507. 50 SREEKUMAR.P AGED 69 YEARS S/O. PURUTHOTHANAM NAIR, AYESWARYA, DESAM PO.,ALUVA 683 103, P.F. A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/264, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/56918. 51 KRISHNAKUMAR.K.P AGED 63 YEARS S/O. G. PARAMESWARAN NAIR, SOWPARNIKA, CHENGAMANAD PO.,ALUVA PIN-683 578, P.F. A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/685, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/86238. COC No. 498/2020 : 10 : 52 YACOB.K.P AGED 71 YEARS S/O. PAILY K.V., 30/356B, ILLATHUPARAMBU ROAD,POONITHURA PO., KOCHI-682 038, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/CHN/2621/81031, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/49047. 53 ABDUL KHADAR.P.M AGED 68 YEARS S/O. MOHAMED, RAAHAT, KALLUMKAL LANE,ALUVA 683 101, P.F. A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/174, KR/KCH/63233. 54 SIMON GEORGE AGED 64 YEARS S/O. M O THOMAS, MADATHIPARAMBIL, 33/950B,CHALIKKAVATTOM ROAD,VENNALA PO. KOCHI-682 028, P.F. A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/388, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/84118. 55 RAMAN.T.N AGED 65 YEARS S/O. T NEELAKANTAN NAMBIAR, THIYYADI, NEAR SVLP SCHOOL,THEKKUMBHAGOM, TRIPUNITHURA 682 301, P.F. A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/904, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/75318. 56 MOHAMMED SAGEER AGED 65 YEARS S/O.V.K. UMMER AL-AMAN, 47/293, KOLATHERI ROAD,PPONITHURA PO., PIN-682 038 P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/428, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/75095. 57 RAGHURAMAN PILLAI.R.K AGED 71 YEARS S/O. V KESAVA PILLAI, SAILEYAM, SUBHAS NAGAR,POONITHURA PO, KOCHI-682 038, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/454, KR/KCH/46158. 58 BALAKRISHNAN.T AGED 67 YEARS COC No. 498/2020 : 11 : S/O. KORU, THOKKAMANNIL HOUSE, POST, CHULOOR, VIA NIT,CALICUT PIN673 601, P.F. A/C. NO.KR/KCH/2621/571, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/67206. 59 AMBUJAKSHAN.S AGED 66 YEARS S/O. SUKUMARAN A.K., SMRITHI, CHAITANYA NAGAR,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F. A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/955, KR/KCH/74989. 60 RADHAKRISHNAN.C AGED 63 YEARS S/O. N. CHELLAPPAN PANICKER, ANIZHAM, AKG ROAD, KANNANKULANGARA,TRIPUNITHURA, P.F. A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/1076, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/86335. 61 BALAN.K.S AGED 74 YEARS S/O.K. SREDHARAN, KALLUTHEKKETHIL,29/31B,NORTH WEST OF OEN MICRO SYSTEM,KANNANKULANGARA,TRIPUNITHURA, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/584,P.P.O.NO KR/KCH/42327. 62 JEYAMURUGAN.V AGED 65 YEARS S/O. N. VELLAI SAMI, IV/437B, NORTH HILL PALACE,SREENAGAR COLONY, IRIMPANAM PO., TRIPUNITHURA, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/1270,P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/75089. 63 GEORGE.P.J AGED 66 YEARS S/O. JOSEPH,GEORGE.P.J PANDIATHUM PARAMBIL,IRIMPANAM PO., KOCHI, PIN-682 309, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/178, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/69330. - 64 GOPALAKRISHNAN.O COC No. 498/2020 : 12 : AGED 68 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN NAIR, 8/299A, AMRUTHA, CNRA 129,CHAITHANYA NAGAR,EROOR WEST PO.,PIN-682 306 P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/429, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/58756. 65 TOMY MATHEWS AGED 64 YEARS S/O. DAVIS M MATHEWS 7/413 ALAPPATTU NAGAR,KAKKANAD PO., KOCHI PIN-682 030 P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/690, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/77394. 66 THOMAS.J.MURICKEN AGED 62 YEARS S/O. JOSEPH ML, D5 FACT NAGAR, TRIPUNITHURA KOCHIPIN-682 301, P.F.A/C NO. KR/KCH/2621/286,P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/87534. 67 PANICKER.K.S.A AGED 66 YEARS S/O.C.K. SREEDHARA PANICKER, KRISHNA KRUPA, MANGAYIL HIGH SCHOOL ROAD,MARADU PO., P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/9607/35,P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/94096. 68 JOSEPH.K.D AGED 65 YEARS S/O. DEVASIA KOTTATHIL HOUSE, CONVENT ROAD,TRIPUNITHURA, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/1084, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/72357. 69 VIJAYAN.C AGED 65 YEARS S/O.S. CHELLAPPAN, KIZHAKKEVILA, PALACE AVENUE, THRIUVAMKULAM, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/179, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/73513. 70 JAYARAJAN.A.P AGED 75 YEARS S/O.A.K. PISHARODY. MAHALAKSHMY, KANNADI KOVILAKAM ROAD,NORTH FORT TRIPUNITHURA, COC No. 498/2020 : 13 : P.F.A/C. NO.KR/KCH/2621/582, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/41455. 71 SASIDHARAN.K AGED 66 YEARS S/O. KOCHU KRISHNA PANICKER, VAISHNAVAM, KRRA 32, KAIRALI ROAD,EROOR SOUTH PO., TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 306, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/816, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/70926. 72 CHANDRAN.P AGED 66 YEARS S/O. T.KUNJAMBU, REJITHA BHAVAN,THEKKUMBHAGAM,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/138, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/75384. 73 PETER.K.V AGED 68 YEARS S/O.K.T. VARGHESE, 33/65 MERCY DALE, PERA 107,PRATHIBHA ROAD, 1ST LANE,PADIVATTOM, KOCHI-682 024, P.F.A/C/NO.KR/KCH/2621/972, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/62596. 74 RAJMOHAN.S AGED 63 YEARS S/O. N. SANKARA NARAYANAN, XVII/151, RAJBHAVAN, SANSKRIT COLLEGE ROAD,TRIPUNITHURA PIN-682 301, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/524, P.P.NO.KR/KCH/86840. 75 SASIDHARAN.G AGED 64 YEARS S/O. NS GOPALAKRISHNAN, FLAT D2, KARTHIKA APARTMENTS,KARTHIKA LANE, PETTAH, POONITHURA, PIN-682 038, P.F.A/C. NO.KR/KCH/2621/4049, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/79281. 76 UDAYABHANU.A.D AGED 65 YEARS S/O. DAMODHARAN, COC No. 498/2020 : 14 : ANJILICHUVATIL, PATHIRAPALLI PO.,ALAPPUZHA PIN-688 521, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/227, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/74173. 77 PRASAD K.K AGED 67 YEARS S/O. KESAVAN, VASANTHAM, KODAPPULLY HOUSE,EROOR SOUTH, TRIPUNITHURA, P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/430, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/61873. 78 RAVINDRAN.K.N AGED 68 YEARS S/O.K.K. NARAYANAN, PRATHEEKSHA, JAWAHAR ROAD,POONITHURA P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/147, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/59462. 79 SIVASANKARAN.P.K AGED 67 YEARS S/O. P A KOCHU, 31/898B, PACHERIL HOUSE, KACHAPPILY ROAD,PONNIRUNNI, VYTILA PO., P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/287, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/67677. 80 KURIAKKOSE MATHEW.V AGED 66 YEARS S/O. MATHEW, VATTAPPARAMBIL HOUSE, MLC ROAD, KARICODE, MULANTHURUTHY PIN-682 314, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/872 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/70817. 81 JOHN MINU MATHEW AGED 67 YEARS S/O.Y MATHEW KARIPUZHAYIL, HILL VALLEY GARDENS,AKATHUPADAM ROAD, THIRUVAMKULAM PIN-682 305, P.F.A/CNO.KR/KCH/2621/416, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/67678. 82 SASIDHARAN.C.A AGED 68 YEARS S/O. C A AYYAPPAN, 32/2108A, CHATHAN THARAYIL,MYTHRI LANE, MAMANGALAM ANJUMANA ROAD,EDAPPALLY PIN-682 024, COC No. 498/2020 : 15 : P.F.A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/162, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/62556 83 AUGUSTINE. K.K AGED 64 YEARS S/O. K A KURIAN KOONAMPARAYIL HOUSE, PRRA 91,THIRUVAMKULAM PO., P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/179, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/79334. 84 ISIDORE D. VALERA AGED 75 YEARS S/O. JOSEPH, ROSE VILLA, ROSE GARDEN ROAD,PALLURUTHY KOCHI PIN-682 006, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/101, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/41466. 85 PHILIP.C.J AGED 65 YEARS S/O. C.S. JOHN, CHERUVALLITHARAYIL,THURUTHI TEMPLE ROAD,PETTAH POONITHURA, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/368 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/80446. 86 MATHEW K.M (LATE) AGED 60 YEARS S/O.K.G. MATHAI, VK LILLIKUTTY (SPOUSE), KOCHUTHUNDIL, 29/17C 2ND LANE,TOCH SCHOOL ROAD, VYTILA PIN-682 019 P.F.A/C.KR/KCH/2621/97, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/46157. 87 VIDYADHARAN.A.K AGED 65 YEARS S/O. M.P. KUTTAN, NIRMALYAM, VENNALA PO.,ERNAKULAM PIN-682 028, P.F.A/C NO. KR/KCH/2621/91, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/42768. 88 THANKAPPAN.M.K AGED 66 YEARS S/O. K P KUTTAI, ANANDHASREE, RIVEREAST ROAD,IRIMPANAM PO., PIN-682 309, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/282, COC No. 498/2020 : 16 : P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/71143. 89 PRASAD A.G., AGED 72 YEARS S/O.M.K. GOPALAKRISHNANA NAIR, SREEPRASAD, VIDYANAGAR ROAD, KOCHIN UNIVERSITY PO., P.F. A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/591, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/45567. 90 SURESH.P.K AGED 63 YEARS S/O. HARIDAS MENON.C., GEETHAM, CHITRANJALY ROAD,NEAR THIRUVAMKULAM,PANCHAYAT OFFICE,ERNAKULAM PIN-682 305, P.F.A/C.O.KR/KCH/2621/609, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/86079. 91 NANDAKUMAR.E AGED 68 YEARS S/O.K.P. MENON, CHAITANYA, 16/478 PEROOR ROAD,NORTH FORT, TRIPU8NITHURA, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/460, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/61394. 92 BABYKUTTY.G AGED 70 YEARS S/O. GEEVARGHESE, GRACE VILLA, CLINT ROAD, AMBALAMEDU, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/363, P.P.O.NO.KT/KCH/55537. 93 ALEXANDER.K.C AGED 71 YEARS S/O.K.C. CHERIAN, KALLUPURACKAL, KURIKKADU PO.,KOCHI-682 305, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/1423, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/46563. 94 GANGADHARAN.P AGED 64 YEARS S/O. P. KUTTAN NAIR, VAISHANAVAM, JAWAHAR ROAD, POONITHURA, KOCHI-682 038, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/1206, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/79903. COC No. 498/2020 : 17 : 95 RAVIRAJH.R AGED 63 YEARS S/O.M. RAJARAM, BS-7B CITI SQUARES, RAMALINGA NAGAR,1ST MAIN ROAD 5TH CROSS, WORIUR TRICHIPIN-620 003, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/326, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/87759. 96 KUNJAN.P AGED 68 YEARS S/O. PALLIYAN, POLATHAZHAM HOUSE, KARIMUGAL PIN-682 308, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/73 , P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/62091. 97 K.C.MATHEW AGED 69 YEARS S/O.K.M.CHACKO, KOMARICKAL HOUSE, ASHRAMAM ROAD,KUZHIKKAD KARA, AMBALAMEDU PO., P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/185, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/58477. 98 JOHNEY.E.C AGED 66 YEARS S/O. CHATHAN, SHAJI COTTAGE, BRAHMAPURAM PO.,AMBALAMEDU VIA PIN-682 303, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000203, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/00075381. 99 JOB.C.M AGED 76 YEARS S/O. C.T. MATHEW, CHEERAN HOUSE, NETHAJI ROAD,NEAR JPS JUNCTION, BAZAR,PAZHANJI PO., THRISSUR PIN-680 542, P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/41491. 100 P.B.DIVAKARAN AGED 64 YEARS S/O. T P BALAKRISHNA MENON, KRA 63, KAIPPANCHERRY ROAD, IRIMPANAM PIN-682 309, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/996 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/00081946. COC No. 498/2020 : 18 : 101 D.BHASKARAN AGED 65 YEARS S/O. R DORAISWAMI, BHA RANI, 30/25TC, NEAR PETTA JUNCTION,POONITHURA PIN682 317, P.F.A/C.NO.KR/KCH/2621/570 P.P.O.NO.KR/KCH/23056. BY ADV. SRI.P.N.MOHANAN ## RESPONDENT/THIRD RESPONDENT: B.ANDREW PRABHU AGED 50 YEARS S/O. S BHAKTHAVALSALAM (LATE), ASSISTANT PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER, SUB REGIONAL OFFICE, EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANSIATION (EPFO), BHAVISHYANITHTI BHAVAN, KALOOR, KOCHI 682 017, RESIDING AT KADAVANTHARA, KOCHI . R1 BY SRI.SAJEEV KUMAR K. GOPAL, SC, EPFO THIS CONTEMPT OF COURT CASE (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 04-08-2020, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: COC No. 498/2020 : 19 : ## **JUDGMENT** ## **SHAJI P. CHALY, J** **T** his contempt of court case is filed contending that the judgment of a Division Bench of this court in W.P.(C) No. 9676 of 2017 dated 25.2.2019 is not complied with. 2. The writ petition in question was disposed of along with other connected cases and in terms of the judgment in W.P.(C) No. 13120 of 2015 and connected cases dated 12.10.2018 in _**Sasikumar P. and others v. Union of India and others**_ (ILR 2019 (1) Kerala 614). Therefore, even though in the judgment in the writ petition in question, no specific directions were issued, the respondent was bound to follow the directions contained in the judgment in _Sasikumar P_ (supra). There the following directions were issued: “i) The Employee's Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014 brought into force by Notification No. GSR. 609(E) dated 22.8.2014 evidenced by Ext.P8 in W.P.(C) No. 13120 of 2015 is set aside; ii) All consequential orders and proceedings issued by the Provident Fund authorities/respondents on the basis of the impugned amendments shall also stand set aside. iii) The various proceedings issued by the Employees Provident Fund Organization declining to grant opportunities to the petitioners to exercise a joint COC No. 498/2020 : 20 : option along with other employees to remit contributions to the Employees Pension Scheme on the basis of the actual salaries drawn by them are set aside. iv) The employees shall be entitled to exercise the option stipulated by paragraph 26 of the EPF Scheme without being restricted in doing so by the insistence on a date.” 3. The respondents have no dispute that they are bound to comply with the directions contained in the judgment in question in terms of the judgment in _Sasikumar P._ (supra) subject to any orders passed by the Apex Court. The case projected by the petitioners in the Contempt of Court Case is that no steps are taken by the respondent in order to sanction pension in terms of the proposition of law laid down by the Division Bench of this Court and therefore, there is wilful disobedience on the part of the respondent and is liable to be proceeded under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (for short “the Act, 1971”) and the Rules thereto. 4. On the other hand, a detailed affidavit is filed by the respondent refuting the allegations and the attributions made by the petitioners in the contempt petition. Among other contentions, it is submitted that the judgment and final order dated 12.10.2018 in _Sasikumar_ P (supra) has been challenged before the Apex Court in SLP (Civil) Nos. 16721-16722/2019 and the order passed thereunder COC No. 498/2020 : 21 : is under review in petition Nos. 1430-1431/2019 in SLP. (C) No. 86588659 of 2019. So also, the reliefs adjudicated by this court in the judgment in _Sasikumar P_ (supra) are also pending consideration of the Apex Court in a batch of 42 writ petitions and two contempt petitions. It is also submitted that all the above litigations are tagged together and pending consideration before a three-Judge Bench as per orders dated 12.07.2019 and 06.02.2020. That apart, it is pointed out that the petitioners have filed the Contempt Petition even without exercising the joint option retrospectively with their employers. It is also stated that though various contempt of court cases are filed, in most of such cases, the employees have moved this Court without depositing the amount in terms of the judgment in _Sasikumar P_ (supra). With particular reference to the facts of the instant case, it is submitted that the respondent has sought details of the petitioners in form 3 PS and form 7PS and other necessary documents are also sought from the employer of the petitioners, who was the 7[th] respondent in the writ petition in question namely Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Kochi Refinery, Ambalamugal, Kochi; however, the employer failed to submit the same till date and it was informed that they require more time to submit the required document as per COC No. 498/2020 : 22 : Annexure R1(b) letter dated 29.6.2020. it is also submitted that in order to secure advantage of the judgment in question retrospectively, the contempt petitioners would have to remit the amount in terms of the findings contained in the judgment. But, no steps are taken by the petitioners in that regard. Therefore, the sum and substance of the submission advanced by the respondent is that there is no wilful or deliberate inaction on the part of the respondent in complying with the directives contained in the judgment in question . 5. We have heard Adv. Sri. P.N. Mohnanan appeared for the petitioners and Adv. Sri. Sajeev Kumar K. Gopal appeared for the respondent, and perused the pleadings and documents on record. 6. In the instant contempt proceedings, we are called upon to decide as to whether there is any deliberate and wilful disobedience of the judgment on the part of the respondent as is contended in the Contempt of Court Case. We do not think the petitioners have raised any objection to the factual circumstances put forth by the respondent in the affidavit as discussed above. 7. The subject issue relates to the payment of pension to the retired personnels in accordance with the provisions of the Employees Provident Fund Act, the allied Rules and the scheme framed COC No. 498/2020 : 23 : thereunder. A Division Bench of this Court in _Sasikumar P_ (supra) has laid down the law that the ceiling provided under the scheme for making the contribution has no rationale and therefore directed to accept contributions without any ceiling for the Salary in accordance with the scheme, and it was thereupon that the directions were issued. On a reading of the decision in _Sasikumar P_ (supra), it is clear that in order to work out the remedies in terms of the judgment, there should be concerted action from the side of the employer and the employee. The said aspect is not under dispute. Therefore, when the matter came up before this court for consideration on 3.6.2020, we have directed the learned counsel for the petitioners to ascertain as to whether the obligations from the side of the petitioners and the employer were complied with, especially due to the fact that a specific affidavit is filed by the respondent stating that since the employer and the employees have not complied with the requirements in terms of the judgment, they are unable to provide the benefits on account of the the judgment to the petitioners. 8. Today when the matter was taken up, the learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that since the respondent has not raised any demand with respect to the amounts to be paid by the petitioners, COC No. 498/2020 : 24 : they are unable to act upon, on the basis of the findings in the judgment. However, we are of the opinion that it is for the petitioners to assert their rights by making the contributions matching with the total salary received by them, and if after doing so, there is any wilful latches on the part of the respondent alone, it can be said that there is deliberate attempt to overlook the directions contained in the judgment. Moreover, petitioners are not disputing the fact that the employer has not complied with its part enabling the respondent to discharge his obligations and liabilities as per the directions in the judgment in question. 9. With the facts above, we are proceeding to find out as to whether there is any material before this court to proceed against the respondent in terms of the Act, 1971 and the Rules thereto. Section 2 (b) defines 'Civil contempt' to mean wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court. The definition makes it clear that in order to constitute a civil contempt, there should be a wilful disobedience. As per the Contempt of Courts (High Court of Kerala) Rules under the Act, 1971, the respondent is at liberty to file his reply duly supported by an affidavit. The further proceedings in COC No. 498/2020 : 25 : respect of the trial takes place as per Rule 14 of the Rules depending upon the circumstances prevailing in the subject case. Rule 14 of Rules read thus: 14. **Hearing of the case and trial:** Upon consideration of the reply filed by the respondent and after hearing the parties, - a) If the respondent has tendered an unconditional apology after admitting that he has committed the contempt, the Court may proceed to pass such orders as it deems fit; - b) If the respondent does not admit that he has committed contempt, the Court may-- - (i) proceed to frame the charge (subject to modification or addition by the Court at any time) if it is satisfied that there is a _prima facie_ case; or - (ii) drop the proceedings and discharge the respondent, it is satisfied that there is no _prima facie_ case, or that it is not expedient to proceed. - c) the respondent shall be furnished with a copy of the charge framed, which shall be read over and explained to the respondent. The Court shall then record his plea, if any; - d) If the respondent pleads guilty, the Court may adjudge him guilty and proceed to pass such sentence as it deems fit; - e) If the respondent pleads not guilty, the case may be taken up for trial on the same day or posted to any subsequent date as directed by the Court.” 10. The Rules are framed on the basis of Article 215 r/w Article 225 of the Constitution of India. They read thus: “215. **High Courts to be courts of record:--** Every High Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself. 225. **Jurisdiction of existing High Courts:--** Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to the provisions of any law of the appropriate Legislature made by virtue of powers conferred on that Legislature by this Constitution, the jurisdiction of, and the law administered in, any existing High Court, and the respective powers of COC No. 498/2020 : 26 : the Judges thereof in relation to the administration of justice in the Court, including any power to make rules of Court and to regulate the sittings of the Court and of members thereof sitting alone or in Division Courts, shall be the same as immediately before the commencement of this Constitution: Provided that any restriction to which the exercise of original jurisdiction by any of the High Courts with respect to any matter concerning the revenue or concerning any act ordered or done in the collection thereof was subject immediately before the commencement of this Constitution shall no longer apply to the exercise of such jurisdiction.” 11. On a reading of the provisions of the Act, 1971, the Rules thereto and the Constitution of India, we are of the view that if there is a wilful disobedience alone, a person can be proceeded with and punished for contempt. Taking into account the factual circumstances discussed above, we have no hesitation to arrive at a finding that there is no wilful or deliberate attempt on the part of the respondent to comply with the directions contained in the judgment in question. Which thus, also means to prefer a contempt petition, there should be a proper cause of action in terms of the Act and the Rules and thereby, it must have affected the prestige and dignity of this Court. It is true, as held by the Apex Court in _**Anil Ratan Sarkar and others v. Kirak Ghosh and others**_ (2002) 4 SCC 21] that the Act is a powerful weapon in the hands of the courts for the purpose of imbuing confidence in the people and to ensure the due and proper COC No. 498/2020 : 27 : administration of justice in the country. However, it was held thereunder that for that very reason, powers under the contempt of courts act should be exercised cautiously and in the larger interest of the society, and only after the court is satisfied beyond doubt as to the guilt of an accused as well as the _bona fides_ of the complainant. Going through the principles of law laid down by the Apex Court and this Court in a plethora of decisions, we are of the agreed opinion that if there is any disobedience of a clear and unambiguous order of a court, there can be no leniency in such a situation, failing which the directions contained in judgment and orders of the courts may become subject matter of mockery and thereby loses confidence of the people. But on the other hand, it is not the duty of the court in a contempt petition to compel and coerce an authority without understanding the true implications of the judgment and assimilating the directions, the legal and factual situations and the observations contained thereunder. Therefore, we do not think that there is a _prima facie_ case established by the petitioners to proceed further in the contempt petition. We are also unable to make out any triable issue in terms of the charge submitted by the petitioners. So much so, appreciation of facts, law and circumstances do not inspire confidence in us to proceed with the COC No. 498/2020 : 28 : contempt petition further in terms of the provisions of law discussed above. Needless to say, the contempt petition fails and accordingly, it is dismissed. sd/- **S. MANIKUMAR, CHIEF JUSTICE.** sd/- **SHAJI P. CHALY,** **JUDGE.** Rv COC No. 498/2020 : 29 : ## APPENDIX ## PETITIONERS' ANNEXURES: ANNEXURE A1 CERTIFIED COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 25.02.2019 IN WPC NO. 9676/2017. ANNEXURE A2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 12.10.2018 IN WPC NO. 13120/2015 AS REPORTED IN ILR 2019 (1) KER 614. ANNEXURE A3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 01.04. 2019 IN SLP NO. 9610/2019. ## RESPONDENT'S ANNEXURES: ANNEXURE R1-A: TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE SUPEME COURT IN CONTEMPT PETITION © NO. 1917-1918/2018 DATED 06.02.2020. ANNEXURE R1-B: TRUE COPY OF LETTER DATED 29.06.2020 FROM BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD. TO THE ASSISTANT PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER. ANNEXURE R1-C: TRUE COPY OF STATUTORY VALUATION UNDERTAKEN DATED 27.12.2019. ANNEXURE R1-D: TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA IN SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION NO.28927/2019 DATED 16.12.2019. /True Copy/ PS to Judge. rv