High Court of KeralaDivision BenchContempt petition is closed; petitioners' entit...
Cont.Case (C) No.1992 of 2019, In re: Contempt of Court against EPFO in W.P.(C) No.37812/2016
Case / Petition Number:Cont.Case (C) No.1992 of 2019
Neutral Citation:/
Case Details & Bench
- Court
- High Court of Kerala
- Hon'ble Judges
- Hon. Anil K. Narendran, J.
- Hon. Sophy Thomas, J.
- Judgment Date
- 2023-09-26
- Court Decision / Holding
- The Contempt Case is closed. The court directs that, in view of the Supreme Court's judgment dated 04.11.2022 in Civil Appeal Nos.8143-8144 of 2022 (Sunil Kumar B.), the petitioners' entitlements for higher pension are to be reconsidered by the EPFO in accordance with the amended pension scheme. The order makes it clear that this reconsideration is to be undertaken within the framework of the 1952 Act and related pension scheme amendments, with a four‑month time extension as per the Apex Court directive in the cited judgement. The court notes that this closure is without prejudice to further actions by the petitioners if the EPFO's reconsideration does not yield the claimed relief, and reserves the rights of the parties under Article 142 of the Constitution of India.
- Final Disposition
- Contempt petition is closed; petitioners' entitlement to higher pension to be reconsidered by EPFO in light of Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment; without prejudice to rights of the parties.
Parties to the Case
Appellants / Petitioners
- LATHAKUMARI S.
- AUSTIN M.G.
- KUTTAN PILLAI P.
- BALARAMAN V.
- SHOWKATH KUNJU
- A.MOHAMMED KUNJU
- R.PRAKASH BABU
- OMANAKUTTAN NAIR G.
- P.T.JAYAKRISHNAN
- OMANAKUTTAN PILLAI R.
- SURESH KUMAR B.
- N.MOHANAN
- G.MOHANAN PILLAI
- SANI PRASAD K.J.
- VIJAYAN PILLAI
- MOHANAN PILLAI C.
- R.GOVINDAN
- N.RAJU
- HARIKRISHNAN S.
- N.KRISHNAN
- SALIM E.
- SAKTHIDHARAN S.
- N.RAJU (duplicate entry avoided)
- RAGHUNATHAN S.
- GOPALAKRISHNAN T.
- BABU C.
- NISSAM V.A.
- ANILKUMAR S.
- DIVYA KAMAL S.
- JAYAPRASAD T.
- JOSE XAVIER
- SHAJI S.
- RAHUL H.
- SUNIL J.
- SHIBU KUMAR B.
- SKANTHA DAS S.
- RANJITH V.V.
- DR.GIREESH V.S.
- SANGEETHA SALI
- DR.JOHN GEROGE
- BOBBY JOHNS M.
- DR.JABEERA B.
- PRAVEEN M.P.
- BIJU R.
- SHIBU S.
- MEKHA P.S.
- ANTONY EDWARD
- RIJU STEPHEN
- SREERAJ C.
- VINOD R.
- SIRAJ T.S.
- K.JAYAKUMAR
- SHAHUL HAMEED S.
- BALACHANDRAN PILLAI S.
- MANIKANDAN T.S.
- BIMAL RAJ B.
- ABDUL SHUKKOOR
- SANILKUMAR S.
- MANOJ MON J.
- DENNY SUDEVAN
- SANTHOSH KUMAR S.
- BONIFUS F.
- BINEESH A.
- SHAN S.
- ANILKUMAR S.
- SAJEEV S.
- RATHEESH S.
- MANEENDRAN
- AJITH MOHAN K.S.
- ARUN A.FERNANDEZ
- NAJEEM Y.
- GOPAKUMAR K.V.
- JOHN J.
- SREEJITH R.
- SUNIL Y.
- LATHEESH T.B.
- A.M.SHIHAB
- RAJESH K.V.
- SHYJU V.S.
- PRAVEEN LAL P.U.
- SEBASTIAN JIJY K.G.
- PIYUSH P.
- RAJI S.
- RANA A.
- ANIL S.
- JAYAN R.
- SHIJAD A.A.
- DR.BIPIN B.
- DIVYA A.RAJ
- SUBASH P.SASIDHARAN
- JOSSY U.
- GOPINATH C.S.
- RADHAKRISHNA PILLAI T.
- ANILKUMAR G.
- SAJI KUMAR N.
- RAJENDRAN J.
- SHAHUL HAMEED
- BALACHANDRAN PILLAI S.
- THOMAS M.
- REMANAN T.
- ARAVINDAKSHAN C.
- MADHU K.
- GANGNAN T.G.
- ROMY CHERIYAN
- SUNILKUMAR
- SREEJA S.
- ANITHA C.
- AJITHA KUMARI K.
- SANDHYA J.
- SANDHYA J. (case note: 114th petitioner)
Respondents
- SATHEESH KUMAR B.T.
- FEBIN VARGHESE
Legal Representation & Advocates
Counsels for Petitioners
- • K. SASIKUMAR
- • P. S. RAGHUKUMAR
Counsels for Respondents
- • SMT. NITA N.S.
- • SMT. LATHA ANAND
Case Synopsis & Summary
This Contempt of Court case, filed under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, arises from alleged willful disobedience of directions contained in Annexure I judgment dated 12.10.2018 in W.P.(C) No.37812/2016 and connected matters (and related matters). The petitioners are employees represented in the cited WPC, who are challenging the implementation of pension-related directions under the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) framework for exempted establishments. The petitioners claim that the EPFO failed to give effect to the directives of the Kerala High Court’s 2018 judgment, and they seek to enforce these directions. The respondents, represented by counsel, contend that following the Supreme Court’s judgment dated 04.11.2022 in Employees Provident Fund Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B., the entitlement for higher pension requires reconsideration by the EPFO in light of amended pension provisions under the EPF scheme. The court examined the parties’ submissions, noted the Apex Court’s guidance, and ultimately held that the contempt petition should be closed, while directing the EPFO to reconsider the petitioners’ entitlements in accordance with the 2022 Supreme Court judgment, thereby preserving the petitioners’ rights while allowing lawful recalibration of benefits.
Provisions of Law Cited
Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (as context for pension scheme)Paragraph 11(3) (pre-amendment) of the 1995 pension schemeParagraph 11(4) of the post-amendment pension schemeNotification No. G.S.R. 609(E) dated 22 August 2014Article 142 of the Constitution of India
Legal Doctrines & Maxims
- ultra vires
- Article 142 of the Constitution of India
Submissions & Arguments
Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners
The petitioners submit that the directions issued in Annexure I to the Kerala High Court judgment dated 12.10.2018 in W.P.(C) No.37812/2016 and connected matters have not been complied with by the EPFO. They contend that the non‑compliance constitutes willful disobedience of the court's orders, justifying initiation of contempt proceedings. They rely on the broader constitutional remit to ensure that pension schemes and exemptions are applied as directed by judicial rulings and seek the court's intervention to enforce compliance and to secure the higher pension benefits claimed under the 2014 amendments.
Contentions of Respondents
The respondents contend that after the Supreme Court's judgment dated 04.11.2022 in Employees Provident Fund Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B., the entitlement for higher pension requires reconsideration by the EPFO in accordance with law. They submit that the EPFO is proceeding to re‑evaluate beneficiaries under the amended scheme and that any orders should be contingent upon the lawful implementation of the Supreme Court's directions. They seek closure of the contempt petition with liberty to reconsider entitlements in light of the 2022 decision.
Cited Precedents (2)
| Case Name | Citation | Treatment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees Provident Fund Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B. | AIR 2022 SC 5634 | Positive | Apex Court judgment cited to support the directive that the 2014 amendments are legal and to guide reconsideration of entitlements; the High Court explicitly relies on this decision to direct reconsideration. |
| R.C. Gupta and others v. Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organisation and others | (2018) 14 SCC 809 | Positive | The High Court aligns with the view in RC Gupta on interpretation of paragraph 11(3) proviso (pre‑amendment) of the pension scheme, indicating agreement with the precedent. |
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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 MR. JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN`**
## **`&`**
## **`THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SOPHY THOMAS`**
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TUESDAY, THE 26[TH] DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2023/4TH ASWINA, 1945
CON.CASE(C) NO. 1992 OF 2019
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AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 12.10.2018 IN
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W.P.(C)NO.37812/2016 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA
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PETITIONERS:
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- **`1 LATHAKUMARI S., AGED 52 YEARS, W/O.GIRISHKUMAR V., CLERK CUM TYPIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KARTHIKA HOUSE, VADAKKUMTHALA, KARUNGAPPALLY, KOLLAM. (PETITIONER NO.1 IN WPC NO.37812/2016).`**
- **`2 AUSTIN M.G., AGED 55 YEARS, S/O.M.GREGORY, OPERATOR GRADE A, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MULACKAL HOUSE, AISWARYA NAGAR 82, MANGADU P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.2 IN WPC NO.37812/2016).`**
- **`3 KUTTAN PILLAI P., AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.PARAMESWARAN PILLAI, ASSISTANT PLANT ENGINEER (NOW RETIRED), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VIJAYA BHAVANAM, CHARUSSERRY BHAGOM, CHAVARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.3 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`4 BALARAMAN V., AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.VISWAMBHARAN, KHALASI GRADE B (NOW RETIRED) KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KONTHARA VEEDU, VADAKKUMTHALA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY (PETITIONER NO.4 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`5 SHOWKATH KUNJU, AGED 59 YEARS, S/O.IBRAHIM KUTTY, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PERUVATTATH, KIZHAKKETHARA, MAVELI, PANMANA P.O., CHAVARA (PETITIONER NO.5 IN WPC NO.37812/2016).`**
- **`6 A.MOHAMMED KUNJU, AGED 59 YEARS, S/O.ASSANAR KUNJU, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THEVALAKKARA P.O.,
KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.6 IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`7 R.PRAKASH BABU, AGED 60 YEARS S/O.RAGHAVAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER (NOW RETIRED), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA KOLLAM, VISHU BHAVAN, EDAKULANGARA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY, (PETITIONER NO.7 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`8 OMANAKUTTAN NAIR G., AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.GOPINATHAN NAIR, SENIOR GRADE WORKER (NOW RETIRED), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, RENJITH BHAVANAM, MUKUNDAPURAM P.O., VATTATHARA, CHAVARA, (PETITIONER NO.8 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`9 P.T.JAYAKRISHNAN, AGED 54 YEARS S/O.R.THANKAPPAN NAIR, TECHNICIAN CUM FITTER GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KOUTHUBHAM, KOLLAM, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.9 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`10 OMANAKUTTAN PILLAI R., AGED 54 YEARS S/O.RAMACHANDRAN PILLAI, SUPERVISOR (LA), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, REVATHY, VADUTHALA, PANMANA, PUTHENCHANDA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.10 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`11 SURESH KUMAR B.,AGED 56 YEARS, S/O.K.BARGAVAN, SENIOR GRADE COOK, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ARCHANA HOUSE, KOVOOR, ARUNALLOOR P.O., MYNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.11 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`12 N.MOHANAN, AGED 59 YEARS, S/O.NANU, TECHNICIAN WELDER GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VISHNU BHAVANAM, MEKKADU, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.12 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`13 G.MOHANAN PILLAI, AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.GOPINATHAN PILLAI, TECHNICIAN WELDER GRADE B, (NOW RETIRED) KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SREESYLAM, PUNNAKULAM, PUTHIYAKAVU, KS PURAM P.O., KARUNGAPPALLY (PETITIONER NO.13 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
- **`14 SANI PRASAD K.J., AGED 36 YEARS, S/O.JOSE PRASAD K.K., ANALYST GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PRASADAM, P.S.R.73, PUNNATHALA SOUTH, THIRUMULLAVARAM P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.14 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`15 VIJAYAN PILLAI, AGED 59 YEARS, S/O.NANU PILLAI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VINTHA BHAVANAM, KALARI, PANMANA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.15 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`16 MOHANAN PILLAI C., AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.CHELLAPPAN PILLAI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, LEKSHMI VILASAM, THOTTINUVADAKKU, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.16 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`17 R.GOVINDAN, AGED 55 YEARS, S/O.RAMAN, WORKER GRADE II, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MACHINATTU VADAKKATHIL, KOLLAM, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.17 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`18 N.RAJU, AGED 51 YEARS, S/O.NARAYANAN, WORKER GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KAIPPALLITHARA, KOLAM, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O. (PETITIONER NO.18 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`19 HARIKRISHNAN S., AGED 52 YEARS, S/O.SIVASANKARA PILLAI, WORKER GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PALAKKAL, THEVALAKKARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.19 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`20 N.KRISHNAN, AGED 54 YEARS, S/O.NANU, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MUNDAVARA PADINATTETHIL, MEKKADU, PANAMANA, CHAVARA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.20 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`21 SALIM E., AGED 54 YEARS, S/O.IBRAHIM KUTTY, COOK GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MEKKARA PUTHENVEEDU, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA (PETITIONER NO.21 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
- **`22 SAKTHIDHARAN S., AGED 54 YEARS S/O.SUBRAMANIYAN POTTI, COOK GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, DARSANA, AKKAL BHAGHOM, PANMANA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.22 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`23 N.RAJU, AGED 50 YEARS, S/O.NANU V., WORKER GRADE II, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PURAMPATTU VEEDU, CHITTOOR, PANMANA, PANMANA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.23 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`24 RAGHUNATHAN S., AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.SREEDHARAN, JUNIOR OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, REMYA VIHAR, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.26 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`25 GOPALAKRISHNAN T., AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.THANKAPPAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PUTHENPURAYIL KALARI, PANMANA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.27 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`26 BABU C., AGED 60 YEARS, S/O.CHELLAPPAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE C. (NOW RETIRED), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MAMPUZHA VADAKKETHIL, VADUTHALA, PANMANA, PUTHENCHANTHA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.28 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`27 NISSAM V.A., AGED 58 YEARS, S/O.ABUBECKER KUNJU, KHALASI GRADE C., KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VELIYIL VEEDU, KALARI, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.29 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`28 ANILKUMAR S., AGED 50 YEARS, S/O.SADANANDAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ANIL BHAVANAM, PORUKKARA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.30 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`29 DIVYA KAMAL S., AGED 36 YEARS, W/O.ANU N.DAS, ACCOUNTANT GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, CHANDRIKA, MATHALIL P.O., KADAVOOR, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.31 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
- **`30 JAYAPRASAD T., AGED 41 YEARS, S/O.THILAKAN PILLAI, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, JAYA NIVAS, KUZHIYEM (SOUTH), CHANDANATHOPPU P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.32 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`31 JOSE XAVIER, AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.XAVIER, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, RANI VILLA, PORUKKARA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA, (PETITIONER NO.33 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`32 SHAJI S., AGED 44 YEARS, S/O.SADASIVAN, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THUPPASSERIL, PANMANA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA, (PETITIONER NO.34 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`33 RAHUL H., AGED 39 YEARS, S/O.HARIDAS, BOILER OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MANKALATH, PUTHENTHURA P.O., NEENDAKARA, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.35 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`34 SUNIL J., AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.JAMES, BOILER OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VALIYAPARAMBIL, CHERUSSERY BHAGHOM, CHAVARA, (PETITIONER NO.36 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`35 SHIBU KUMAR B., AGED 46 YEARS, S/O.BHASKARAN, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ARAMANA THOTTINU VADAKKU, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.37 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`36 SKANTHA DAS S., AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.K.SUNDARESAN, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, CHALLITHARAYIL, S.V.MARKET P.O., KOZHIKODE, KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.38 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`37 RANJITH V.V., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.VELAYUDHAN, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VATHIKATTU HOUSE, PUTHENCHIRA EAST, THRISSUR`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
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(PETITIONER NO.39 IN WPC 38712/2016).
```
- **`38 DR.GIREESH V.S., AGED 45 YEARS, S/O.VISWANATHAN NAIR, DEPUTY MANAGER (R AND D), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, LAKSHMI VAS, MUNDAKKAL ROAD, NALANCHIRA P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PETITIONER NO.40 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`39 SANGEETHA SALI, AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.MUHAMMED SALI, OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.41 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`40 DR.JOHN GEROGE, AGED 46 YEARS, S/O.GEORGE JOHN, DEPUTY MANAGER (R AND D), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KOLLAMPARAMBIL, CHURCH VIEW, KATTUPUZHA P.O., CHENGANNUR, PATHANAMTHITTA (PETITIONER NO.42 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`41 BOBBY JOHNS M., AGED 46 YEARS, S/O.DR.JOHN THAMPY, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MADAPPALLIL HOUSE, KUMBAZHA P.O., PATHANAMTHITTA (PETITIONER NO.43 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`42 DR.JABEERA B., AGED 45 YEARS, W/O.SHIBILI, DEPUTY MANAGER (R AND D), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SP1/22/1, IRFAN MANZIL, KARYAVATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PETITIONER NO.44 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`43 PRAVEEN M.P., AGED 48 YEARS, S/O.PRASANNAKUMAR, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MANAKALATH MADOM, KUMARAPURAM P.O., HARIPAD ALAPUZHA, (PETITIONER NO.45 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`44 BIJU R., AGED 50 YEARS, S/O.GOPALAN, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VALIYAPARAMBIL, AMYIDA, AMBALAPUZHA P.O., ALAPUZHA (PETITIONER NO.46 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`45 SHIBU S., AGED 45 YEARS, S/O.ABUBECKER KUNJU, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KATTAYATH, PUTHENPURAYIL`**
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Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
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ADINADU SOUTH, KATTIKADAVU P.O., KOLLAM,
(PETITIONER NO.47 IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`46 MEKHA P.S., AGED 36 YEARS, D/O.SASIKUMAR, SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KALLASSERIL, ADINADU, KATTILKADAVU, KARUNAGAPPALLY, (PETITIONER NO.48 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`47 ANTONY EDWARD, AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.EDWARD ANTONY, DEPUTY MANAGER (UNIT 400), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, NEST, KAVANADU P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.49 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`48 RIJU STEPHEN, AGED 40 YEARS, S/O.C.L.STEPHEN, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SM HOUSE, PEYADU P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, (PETITIONER NO.50 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`49 SREERAJ C., AGED 44 YEARS, S/O.CHANDRASEKHARAN ACHARY, DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PARVATHI BHAVAN, THOTTAKKAKAM, PERINAD P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.51 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`50 VINOD R., AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.RAMANKUTTY, TECHNICIAN CUM MACHINIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, AYYIKATTU, CLAPPANA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.52 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`51 SIRAJ T.S., AGED 45 YEARS, S/O.SAIDUMUHAMMED, TECHNICIAN CUM MACHINIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THEKKEMURANJOOR HOUSE, KANJOOR P.O., IDUKKI DISTRICT (PETITIONER NO.53 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`52 K.JAYAKUMAR, AGED 48 YEARS, S/O.P.KUTTAPPAN, TECHNICIAN CUM MACHINIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KIZHAKKUMBHAGATH VEEDU, KOYVILA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.54 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`53 SHAHUL HAMEED S., AGED 45 YEARS, S/O.SYED MUHAMMED, TECHNICIAN CUM MACHINIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM,`**
8
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
T.C.49/585, MALLIYIDAM, MANAKKADU P.O.,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PETITIONER NO.55 IN WPC
37812/2016).
```
- **`54 KRISHNAKUMAR G., AGED 44 YEARS, S/O.GOPALAKRISHNA PILLAI, TECHNICIAN CUM MACHINIST, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MADAVAM, VADAKKUMTHALA, EAST P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.56 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`55 MANIKANDAN T.S., AGED 40 YEARS, S/O.SACHIDANANDA MENON, ANALYST GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THOTTUNGAL HOUSE, 18/593, PALLURUTHI NADA, KOCHI, (PETITIONER NO.57 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`56 BIMAL RAJ B., AGED 48 YEARS, S/O.K.G.BABU, DRAUGHTSMAN GRADE C, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PRANAVAM, KUMALLUR P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.58 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`57 ABDUL SHUKKOOR, AGED 48 YEARS, S/O.ABDUL RAHIM, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, S.R.MANZIL, PULIYOOR VANCHI EAST, THODIYOOR P.O., (PETITIONER NO.59 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`58 SANILKUMAR S., AGED 46 YEARS, S/O.SAMBAVAN, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SANIL BHAVANAM, VADAKKUMTHALA MEKKU, VADAKUTHALA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY (PETITIONER NO.60 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`59 MANOJ MON J., AGED 44 YEARS, S/O.Y.JOSEPH, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KOCHUKANDACHAN VEEDU, PORUKKARA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.61 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`60 DENNY SUDEVAN, AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.SUDEVAN, TECHNICIAN CUM FITTER GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KAIPUZHAVILLA VEEDU, DHAVALAKUZHI, MAYYANADU P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.62 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`61 SANTHOSH KUMAR S.,AGED 46 YEARS, S/O.SIVADASAN NAIR, TECHNICIAN CUM FITTER GRADE B, KERALA`**
9
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM,
KUTTIKATTIL VEEDU, PUTHUKADU P.O., MUKUNDAPURAM,
CHAVARA, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.63 IN WPC
37812/2016).
```
- **`62 BONIFUS F., AGED 40 YEARS, S/O.FRANCIS, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KODIYIL VEEDU, CHERUSSERY BHAGHOM, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.64 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`63 BINEESH A., AGED 41 YEARS, S/O.VASUDEVAN A., TECHNICIAN CUM FITTER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, APPENGAL HOUSE, CHEMMANIYODU P.O., MALAPPURAM (PETITIONER NO.65 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`64 SHAN S., AGED 39 YEARS, S/O.SHANMUGHAN, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SOWPARNIKA, VADAKKUMTHALA P.O., ERNAKULAM (PETITIONER NO.66 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`65 ANILKUMAR S., AGED 44 YEARS, S/O.SUNDARESAN, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ANI BHAVANAM, PORUKKARA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA, (PETITIONER NO.67 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`66 SAJEEV S., AGED 40 YEARS, S/O.K.SAHADEVAN, JUNIOR TECHNICIAN CUM PIPE FABRICATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ASANTE KIZHAKKETHIL, MEENAMPALLI, PATHIYOOR P.O., KAYAMKULAM (PETITIONER NO.68 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`67 RATHEESH S., AGED 38 YEARS, S/O.SOMARAJAN PILLAI, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ARUNODAYAM VENGA P.O., SASTHAMCOTTA, (PETITIONER NO.69 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`68 MANEENDRAN, AGED 38 YEARS, S/O.VELAYUDHAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, CHERIYAKADATHIL HOUSE, KULAMATHARA BHAGOM, MANAYIL P.O., PANMANA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.70 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
10
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
- **`69 AJITH MOHAN K.S., AGED 38 YEARS, S/O.SASIVARNAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PAVITHRAM CHITTOOR, PANMANA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.71 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`70 ARUN A.FERNANDEZ, AGED 38 YEARS, S/O.ANDREW FERNANDEZ, EQUIPMENT OPERATER GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, JOSAPHINE COTTAGE, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.72 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`71 NAJEEM Y., AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.YUNSKUTY, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, AICKANAKUTTI VILAYIL, SOUTH MYNAGAPPALLY P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.73 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`72 GOPAKUMAR K.V., AGED 41 YEARS, S/O.VASUDEVAN PILLAI, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PAMASREE, MANAYIL, PANMANA P.O., CHAVARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.74 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`73 JOHN J., 4, AGED 46 YEARS S/O.JOSEPH, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, JORDHAN, THATTASSERIL, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.75 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`74 SREEJITH R., AGED 39 YEARS, S/O.RAVINDRAN NAIR, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, POTTITHARAYIL, PANAMANA, EDAPPALLY KOTTA P.O., CHAVARA (PETITIONER NO.76 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
```
75 SUNIL Y., AGED 42 YEARS, S/O.YESODHARAN,
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND
METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KOTTAPURATHU VEEDU,
PONAMANA P.O., CHAVARA, KOLAM (PETITIONER NO.77
IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`76 LATHEESH T.B., AGED 47 YEARS, S/O.BHASKARAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, AMBADI, VADAKKUMTHALA MEKKU, VADAKKUMTHALA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY, (PETITIONER NO.78 IN WPC`**
11
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
## **`37812/2016).`**
- **`77 A.M.SHIHAB, AGED 41 YEARS, S/O.MOOSAN A.A., OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ALAVUMKUDY, KONJASSERIL P.O., ERNAKULAM (PETITIONER NO.79 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`78 RAJESH K.V., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.K.P.VASU, OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KOLLAMMAVADI HOUSE, ADIMALY P.O., IDUKKI (PETITIONER NO.80 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`79 SHYJU V.S., AGED 41 YEARS, S/O.VASUDEVAN, OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SHIBU BHAVANAM, NEDIYARA P.O., ANJAL, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.81 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`80 PRAVEEN LAL P.U., AGED 45 YEARS, S/O.UTHAMAN A., OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PRASANTH BHAVAN, THAKAZHI P.O., ALAPPUZHA (PETITIONER NO.82 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`81 SEBASTIAN JIJY K.G., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.K.L.GEORGE, OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, JINI NIVAS, VETTAKKAL P.O., CHERTHALA, ALAPUZHA (PETITIONER NO.83 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`82 PIYUSH P., AGED 37 YEARS, S/O.PAVITHRAN, OPERATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ASWATHI, CHERAVALLY, KAYAMKULAM (PETITIONER NO.84 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`83 RAJI S., AGED 32 YEARS, W/O.BINISHKUMAR S., SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, RAJI BHAVANAM, KOLAM, PANMANA, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.85 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`84 RANA A., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.ALBERT A., DEPUTY MANAGER (M), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MEDOW VIEW, SHANTHI NAGAR, 201C, AYATHIL P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.86 IN WPC`**
12
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
37812/2016).
```
- **`85 ANIL S., AGED 35 YEARS, S/O.SASIDHARAN PILLAI, TECHNICIAN GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SUNIL BHAVANAM, PALAKKAL, THEVALAKKARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.87 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`86 JAYAN R., AGED 39 YEARS, S/O.RAMADASAN, FABRICATOR GRADE B, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THEERTHAM BHARANIKAVU, CHAVARA P.O., (PETITIONER NO.88 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`87 SHIJAD A.A., AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.ABDUL AZEEZ, MANAGER (P AND A), KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ALAYIL HOUSE, PERUNNA P.O., CHANGANASSERY KOTTAYAM (PETITIONER NO.89 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`88 DR.BIPIN B., AGED 47 YEARS, S/O.K.BALACHANDRAN PILLAI, CHIEF MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, BIJU NIVAS, INDUVILA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.90 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`89 DIVYA A.RAJ, AGED 32 YEARS, W/O.BINISH B., ASSISTANT GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PALAVILAYIL HOUSE, PADINJATTEKARA P.O., THEVALAKKARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.91 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`90 SUBASH P.SASIDHARAN, AGED 42 YEARS S/O.SASIDHARAN, BOILER CUM UTILITY OPERATOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PARUTHIKKATTU HOUSE, VAZHAPPALLY (W) P.O., CHANGANASSERY, KOTTAYAM, (PETITIONER NO.92 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`91 JOSSY U., AGED 55 YEARS, S/O.UNNOONNI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, EBANASOOR, ARINALLOOR P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.93 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`92 GOPINATH C.S., AGED 54 YEARS, S/O.CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SUNITHA NIVAS, LEKSHMANA NAGAR 186, ASRAMAM, KOLLAM (PETITIONER`**
13
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
## **`NO.94 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
```
93 RADHAKRISHNA PILLAI T., AGED 57 YEARS
S/O.THANKAPPAN PILLAI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER,
KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM,
VIJAYABHAVANAM, NETTIYAD, PANMANA, EDAPPALLY
KOTTA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.95 IN WPC
37812/2016).
```
- **`*94 ANILKUMAR G., AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.GOPINATHAN PILLAI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KRISHNAPRIYA, CHAVARA BRIDGE P.O., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.96 IN WPC 37812/20160. (DESCRIPTION OF THE 94[TH] RESPONDENT IS CORRECTED AS “AGED 36, S/O.GOPALAKRISHNAN, TECHNICIAN GRADE C, PIGMENT UNIT, KERALA MINERAL AND METALS LTD., CHAVAR, KOLLAM, ANIL BHAVANAM, PANMANA (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.107 IN WPC NO.37812/2016)” AS PER ORDER DATED 26.09.2023 IN I.A.NO.1 OF 2020)`**
- **`95 SAJI KUMAR N., AGED 49 YEARS, S/O.NATARAJAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ABHI SREE, KOVOOR, ARINALLOOR P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.97 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
```
96 RAJENDRAN J., AGED 54 YEARS
S/O.JANARDHANAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA
MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, ARUN
BHAVANAM, CHITTOOR, PONMANA P.O., CHAVARA, KOLLAM
(PETITIONER NO.98 IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`97 SHAHUL HAMEED, AGED 54 YEARS S/O.ASSANARU KUNJU SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KARIMPIL THEKKETHIL, PANMANA, PUTHENCHANDA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.99 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`98 BALACHANDRAN PILLAI S., AGED 49 YEARS S/O.SIVASANKARA PILLAI, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, KARTHIKA, KOTTAKKAKAM, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.100 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`99 THOMAS M., AGED 57 YEARS, S/O.MATHAYI K.V., WORKER GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD.,`**
14
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PADINJAREKKARA VEEDU, AKONAM,
IDUKKUPARA, CHADAYAMANGALAM P.O., KOLLAM
(PETITIONER NO.101 IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`100 REMANAN T., AGED 55 YEARS, S/O.THANKAPPAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VISHNU BHAVANAM, ARATTUPUZHA, PERUMUPUZHA P.O., KUNDARA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.102 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`101 ARAVINDAKSHAN C., AGED 56 YEARS, S/O.CHELLAPPAN, SENIOR GRADE WORKER, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MANPUZHA VADAKKETHIL, KALARI, PANMANA, PUTHENCHANDA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.103 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`102 MADHU K., AGED 56 YEARS, S/O.KRISHNA PILLAI, WORKER GRADE I, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, RUDHRA VEENA, PALACE WARD, KRISHNAPURAM, KAYAMKULAM, ALAPUZHA (PETITIONER NO.106 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`103 GANGNAN T.G., AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.T.V.GOPALAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE C., KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THAKARANPARAMBIL HOUSE, KODISSERY, VATTAPARAMBU P.O., (PETITIONER NO.108 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`104 ROMY CHERIYAN, AGED 43 YEARS, S/O.P.C.CHERIAN, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GRADE C, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PUTHENPARAMBIL HOUSE, KALIYAR P.O., THODUPUZHA, (PETITIONER NO.109 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`105 SUNILKUMAR, AGED 49 YEARS, S/O.CHANDRAN, TECHNICIAN GRADE C., KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, THULASI SADANAM, THOTTIL VADAKKU, CHAVARA P.O., KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.110 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`106 SREEJA S., AGED 30 YEARS, W/O.RAJESH R., SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, MALLEZHATHU VEEDU, SAKTHIKULANGARA P.O., KOLLAM, (PETITIONER NO.111 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`107 ANITHA C., AGED 49 YEARS, W/O.RAGHU R., SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND`**
15
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
```
METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, AMBIKA MANDIRAM,
PUTHENTHURA P.O., NEENDAKARA, KOLLAM, (PETITIONER
NO.112 IN WPC 37812/2016).
```
- **`108 AJITHA KUMARI K., AGED 52 YEARS, W/O.OMANAKUTTAKURUP, SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, VAZHAYIL VEEDU, VADAKKUMATHALA P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY, (PETITIONER NO.113 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
- **`109 SANDHYA J., AGED 43 YEARS, D/O.SIVANANDAN, SENIOR GRADE OFFICE ATTENDANT, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, SHARANYA BHAVANAM, KOLLAKA, KOLLAM (PETITIONER NO.114 IN WPC 37812/2016).`**
```
BY ADVS. K.SASIKUMAR
P.S.RAGHUKUMAR
```
## **`RESPONDENTS/RESPONDENTS 4 AND 5 IN THE WRIT PETITION:`**
- **`1 SATHEESH KUMAR B.T., (AGED AND FATHER’S NAME NOT KNOWN TO THE PETITIONERS) ASSISTANT PF COMMISSIONER, SUB REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND OFFICE, KOLLAM - 691 001.`**
- **`2 FEBIN VARGHESE, AGED 52 (FATHER’S NAME NOT KNOWN TO THE PETITIONERS), MANAGING DIRECTOR, KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD., CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIGMENT UNIT, SANKARAMANGALAM, CHAVARA, KOLLAM DISTRICT, PIN-691 583.`**
```
BY ADVS.SMT.NITA.N.S.
SMT.LATHA ANAND
```
```
THIS CONTEMPT OF COURT CASE (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR
```
```
ADMISSION ON 26.09.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED
THE FOLLOWING:
```
16
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
## **JUDGMENT**
Anil K. Narendran, J.
The petitioners, who are some of the petitioners in W.P.(C)No.37812 of 2016, have filed this Contempt Case, invoking the provisions under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 alleging willful disobedience of the directions contained in Annexure I judgment dated 12.10.2018 in that writ petition along with W.P.(C)No.13120 of 2015 and connected matters.
2. The SLP filed by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation against the judgment dated 12.10.2018 in W.P.(C) No.13120 of 2015 and connected cases were dismissed by the Apex Court vide order dated 01.04.2019 in SLP (C) - Diary No.9610 of 2019. That order was recalled and the Apex Court rendered a detailed judgment dated 04.11.2022 in Civil Appeal Nos.8143 of 2022 and 8144 of 2022 and connected matters- **Employees Provident Fund Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B. [2022 (7) KHC 12 : AIR 2022 SC 5634]** . In that judgment, the Apex Court held that the provisions contained in Notification No.GSR 609(E) dated 22.08.2014 is legal and valid. The directions contained in paragraph 44 of the said judgment of the Apex Court dated 04.11.2022 read as follows:
“44. We accordingly hold and direct:-
17
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
(i) The provisions contained in the notification No. G.S.R.609(E) dated 22nd August 2014 are legal and valid. So far as present members of the fund are concerned, we have read down certain provisions of the scheme as applicable in their cases and we shall give our findings and directions on these provisions in the subsequent subparagraphs.
(ii) Amendment to the pension scheme brought about by the notification No. G.S.R. 609(E) dated 22[nd] August 2014 shall apply to the employees of the exempted establishments in the same manner as the employees of the regular establishments. Transfer of funds from the exempted establishments shall be in the manner as we have already directed.
(iii) The employees who had exercised option under the proviso to paragraph 11(3) of the 1995 scheme and continued to be in service as on 1[st] September 2014, will be guided by the amended provisions of paragraph 11(4) of the pension scheme.
(iv) The members of the scheme, who did not exercise option, as contemplated in the proviso to paragraph 11(3) of the pension scheme (as it was before the 2014 Amendment) would be entitled to exercise option under paragraph 11(4) of the post amendment scheme. Their right to exercise option before 1[st] September 2014 stands crystalised in the judgment of this Court in the case of **R.C.**
**Gupta and others v. Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organisation and others [(2018) 14 SCC 809]** . The scheme as it stood before 1[st] September 2014 did not provide for any cut-off date and thus those members shall
18
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
be entitled to exercise option in terms of paragraph 11(4) of the scheme, as it stands at present. Their exercise of option shall be in the nature of joint options covering pre-amended paragraph 11(3) as also the amended paragraph 11(4) of the pension scheme. There was uncertainty as regards validity of the post-amendment scheme, which was quashed by the aforesaid judgments of the three High Courts. Thus, all the employees who did not exercise option but were entitled to do so but could not due to the interpretation on cut-off date by the authorities, ought to be given a further chance to exercise their option. Time to exercise option under paragraph 11(4) of the scheme, under these circumstances, shall stand extended by a further period of four months. We are giving this direction in exercise of our jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. Rest of the requirements as per the amended provision shall be complied with.
(v) The employees who had retired prior to 1[st] September 2014 without exercising any option under paragraph 11(3) of the pre-amendment scheme have already exited from the membership thereof. They would not be entitled to the benefit of this judgment.
(vi) The employees who have retired before 1[st] September 2014 upon exercising option under paragraph 11(3) of the 1995 scheme shall be covered by the provisions of the paragraph 11(3) of the pension scheme as it stood prior to the amendment of 2014.
(vii) The requirement of the members to contribute at the rate of 1.16 per cent of their salary to the extent such salary exceeds Rs.15,000/per month as an additional contribution under the amended scheme is held to be ultra
19
Cont.Case (C)No.1992 of 2019
vires the provisions of the 1952 Act. But for the reasons already explained above, we suspend operation of this part of our order for a period of six months. We do so to enable the authorities to make adjustments in the scheme so that the additional contribution can be generated from some other legitimate source within the scope of the Act, which could include enhancing the rate of contribution of the employers. We are not speculating on what steps the authorities will take as it would be for the legislature or the framers of the scheme to make necessary amendment. For the aforesaid period of six months or till such time any amendment is made, whichever is earlier, the employees’ contribution shall be as stop gap measure. The said sum shall be adjustable on the basis of alteration to the scheme that may be made.
(viii) We do not find any flaw in altering the basis for computation of pensionable salary.
(ix) We agree with the view taken by the Division Bench in the case of **R.C. Gupta** (supra) so far as interpretation of the proviso to paragraph 11(3) (pre-amendment) pension scheme is concerned. The fund authorities shall implement the directives contained in the said judgment within a period of eight weeks, subject to our directions contained earlier in this paragraph.
(x) The Contempt Petition (C) Nos.1917 - 1918 of 2018 and Contempt Petition (C) Nos. 619-620 of 2019 in Civil Appeal Nos. 10013-10014 of 2016 are disposed of in the above terms.”
3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and also
the learned Standing Counsel for the Employees Provident Fund
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Organisation, for the respondents.
4. In view of the judgment of the Apex Court dated 04.11.2022 in Civil Appeal Nos.8143-44 of 2022 and connected matters **[2022 (7) KHC 12 : AIR 2022 SC 5634]** , the entitlement of the petitioners for disbursement of higher pension requires reconsideration at the hands of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation.
5. The learned Standing Counsel for the respondent would submit that the aforesaid exercise shall be undertaken by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation in accordance with law.
In the said circumstances, this Contempt Case is closed, without prejudice to the right of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation to reconsider the entitlement of the petitioners for disbursement of higher pension, in view of the judgment of the Apex Court dated 04.11.2022 in Civil Appeal Nos.8143-44 of 2022 and connected matters **[2022 (7) KHC 12 : AIR 2022 SC 5634]** .
**Sd/ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE**
**Sd/SOPHY THOMAS, JUDGE**
AV/30/9
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## **`APPENDIX OF CON.CASE(C) 1992/2019`**
## **`PETITIONER ANNEXURES`**
```
ANNEXURE I A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF
HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA IN WPC
NO.37812/2016, DATED 12/10/2018.
Annexure II A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED
10/2/2020 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF
JHARKHAND.
```