High Court of KeralaDivision Bench2023-10-20Contempt petition closed; EPFO to reconsider en...

Cont.Case(C) No.1717 of 2019

Case / Petition Number:CON.CASE(C) NO. 1717 OF 2019

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: Anil K. Narendran
Sophy Thomas
Judgment Date: 2023-10-20
Court Decision / Holding: The Contempt Case is closed. The Court notes that, in view of the Apex Court’s 4 November 2022 judgment in Sunil Kumar B. (AIR 2022 SC 5634), petitioners’ entitlements for higher pension require reconsideration by the EPFO under the law. The petitioners’ rights to a careful reevaluation are preserved, and the EPFO is directed to undertake the reconsideration in line with the 2022 decision, with final adjustments as permitted by law. The order is without prejudice to EPFO’s right to complete the exercise.
Final Disposition: Contempt petition closed; EPFO to reconsider entitlement for higher pension in light of Sunil Kumar B. (2022) judgment, without prejudice to further action in accordance with law.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

MOHAMED NAWAZ A.A.
BALACHANDRAN NAIR. K. G.
MOHANKUMAR. P. N.
SASIKUMARAN NAIR.K.
MADHUKUMAR. K.
ANTO. K. P.
VENKATESWARAN
SASIDHARAN PILLAI. P. B.
GOROGE THOMAS
BALAGOPAL. V. N.
MOHAN KUMAR. R.
JOSEPH AUGUSTIN
ABDUL SAHAB
NARAYANAN NAIR. D.
HAROLD. B. J.
SRIKUMAR. C.
XAVIER. A. J.
ANTONY. A. D.
BABYKUTTAN. C. A.
NANDAKUMAR. C. K.
VENUGOPAL. C.
SWAMIKUTTAN. P. K.
KURUP. D. V.
SUBHASH CHANDRAN. K.
SANTHOSHKUMAR. O. N.
SADASIVAM. V. V.
SREEKUMARAN NAIR. N.
JOLLY VARGHESE
GANESHAN. H.
SREEKUMAR. M.S.
RAMACHANDRAN. N.
WILSON C. P.
SASI. K.
GOPINATH. K.
SIVARAMAN. T.
VIJAYA MOHAN. P.
PUSHKARAN. V. N.
JOHN P.THOMAS
RAJENDRAN. C.
REGHURAJAN. K.
ABDUL KAREEM MOOPPAN. M. M.
BENTY. V. P.
JOSEPH. K. J.
VARGHESE. V. V.
JOSEPH. P. J.
ABDUL RAHIMAN. T. S.
KADER KUNJU. M. V.
SOMANATHAN NAIR. P.
JOSEPH MATHAI
HAMEED. K. S.
MADHUSUDANAN. B.
SUBRAMANNIAN. V. K.
SREEKUMARAN NAIR. N.
GEORGE. C. O.
SALIM. P. K.
ANTONY. T. J.
ABDUL RAHIMAN. T. M.
ABOBACKER. P. M.
UNNI. M. S.
OUSEPH. E. U.
BABU. P. P.
PRADEEPKUMAR. E. N.
MOHAMMED. K. A.
SIVAN. T. N.
POULOSE. K. P.
XAVIER. P. J.
SURENDRAN. T. A.
KUNJU MOHAMMED. M. E.
KARIM. M. A.
GEORGE. T.
BABU. P. R.
RADHAKRISHNAN. T. P.
GOPINATH. V. C.
USMANKUTTY. M. K.
RICHARD GUNTHER
PAILY. A. J.
SUKUMARAN NAIR. P.
KALADHARA BABU. K.
VENUGOPAL. P. S.
GOVINDAN. C
SIVARAMAN. K.
SURENDRANATHA PANICKER
RAVEENDRAN. V. S.
PRAKASAN. V. S.
MUHAMMED KUNJU. P. M.
BALAN. V. B.
SASIDHARAN. K. K.
JOHNY. N. M.
SREEDHARAN NAMBOOTHIRI. K. N.
RAMAKRISHNAN. P. K.
KUNJUMOHAMMED. K. K.
ABDUL RAHIMAN KUTTY. P. K.
ABDULKARIM. P. M.
VIJAYAKUMAR. P.
THANKAPPAN. V. S.
VARGHESE. N. A.
MURALEEDHARAN. K. K.
RADHAKRISHNAN. N. S.
RAVEENDRAN. V. S.
PRAKASAN. V. S.
MUHAMMED KUNJU. P. M.
BALAN. V. B.
SASIDHARAN. K. K.
JOHNY. N. M.
SREEDHARAN NAMBOOTHIRI. K. N.
RAMAKRISHNAN. P. K.
KUNJUMOHAMMED. K. K.
ABDUL RAHIMAN KUTTY. P. K.
ABDULKARIM. P. M.
VIJAYAKUMAR. P.
THANKAPPAN. V. S.
VARGHESE. N. A.
MURALEEDHARAN. K. K.
RADHAKRISHNAN. N. S.

Respondents

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
B. Andrew Prabhu, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

• P. N. Mohanan

Counsels for Respondents

• Smt.Nita N.S.

Case Synopsis & Summary

This Contempt Case was filed by petitioners 1–82 and 84–99 (the W.P.(C) No.30601/2018 petitioners) against the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and related authorities for alleged willful disobedience of Annexure A1, the judgment dated 26 February 2019 in W.P.(C) No.30601/2018, and related orders. The petition traces a chain from a 2015–2018 writ petition on pension schemes under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act to the apex Court’s 2022 decision in Sunil Kumar B., which upheld the validity of the 2014 G.S.R. 609(E) amendment and laid down directions for the pension scheme, including extensions of options under paragraph 11(4) of the amended scheme and related adjustments. The contempt petition contends that EPFO failed to implement Annexure A1 and the post-2014 directions, thereby obstructing higher pension disbursement to the petitioners. After hearing, the Court closed the contempt proceeding, while noting that EPFO must reconsider petitioners’ entitlement for higher pension in light of the 2022 Supreme Court judgment. The order underscores EPFO’s obligation to act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s authoritative interpretation, and leaves open the possibility of further action by EPFO within the law.

Provisions of Law Cited

Section 12 of Contempt of Courts Act, 1971Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (1952 Act)G.S.R. 609(E) dated 22 August 2014Article 142 of the Constitution of India

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

ultra vires

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

Applicants contended that the Annexure A1 judgment dated 26/02/2019 in W.P.(C)30601/2018 was not complied with, amounting to willful disobedience of orders. They rely on the Supreme Court’s 4 November 2022 decision in Sunil Kumar B. to urge the validity and applicability of G.S.R. 609(E) (2014 amendment) to both regular and exempted establishments and to extend options under paragraph 11(4) of the pension scheme. They seek immediate reconsideration and disbursement of higher pension, with a time-bound extension for options and a harmonized implementation across the scheme.

Contentions of Respondents

Respondents (EPFO) submitted that compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2022 directions is to be undertaken by EPFO in accordance with law, and that any order passing relief must align with the statutory scheme and existing amendments. The reply emphasizes ongoing implementation within the legal framework and cautions against retroactive or ultra vires actions, while acknowledging the need to reassess entitlement in light of the Sunil Kumar B. decision.

Cited Precedents (2)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
Employees Provident Fund Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B.	AIR 2022 SC 5634	Positive	Cited as the controlling Supreme Court decision upholding the legal validity of G.S.R.609(E) and directing subsequent implementation, which informs the present disposition.
R.C. Gupta v. Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organisation and others	(2018) 14 SCC 809	Positive	Quoted with approval regarding interpretation of paragraph 11(3) before amendment, the Division Bench view is endorsed by the Court in the 2022 decision.

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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`** ``` FRIDAY, THE 20[TH] DAY OF OCTOBER 2023 / 28TH ASWINA, 1945 ``` ``` CON.CASE(C) NO. 1717 OF 2019 ``` ``` ARISING OUT OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 26.02.2019 IN WP(C)NO. 30601/2018 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA ``` ``` PETITIONERS/PETITIONERS 1 TO 82 & 84 TO 99: ``` - **`1 MOHAMED NAWAZ A.A. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. A. M. ALI MOHAMMED, 6/912 C1, TEMPLE ROAD, TRIKKAKARA - 682 021, PPO NO. KR/KCH/55533, EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/2728-A/373.`** - **`2 BALACHANDRAN NAIR. K. G. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. K. K. GOPALAN NAIR, B1 , JEWEL HOMES, THAMMANAM ROADM PALARIVATTAM , KOCHI - 682 025, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00095488, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/678`** - **`3 MOHANKUMAR. P. N. AGED 61 YEARS`** ``` S/O. M. NARAYANKUTTY ELAYADOM, DEVI VIHAR, ELAMAKKARA (P.O) KOCHI - 26, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00095488, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/303. ``` - **`4 SASIKUMARAN NAIR.K. AGED 61 YEARS`** - **`S/O. KESAVAN NAIR, SREE VIHAR, CHANDRATHIL ROAD, EDAPPALLY (P.O), KOCHI - 682 024, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00048228, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/95.`** - **`5 MADHUKUMAR. K. AGED 61 YEARS`** ``` S/O. V. M. KUTTAPPAN PILLAI, SREEPADMAM, 5/176A, ULLALA, THALYAZHAM (P.O), VAIKOM - 686 607, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00094002, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/1667. ``` 2 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` 6 ANTO. K. P. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. K. O. PAPPU, KIDANGEN HOUSE, NEELEESWARAM (P.O), KALADY - 683 574, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00069577, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/245. ``` ``` 7 VENKATESWARAN AGED 68 YEARS S/O. P. RAJAVADAN, PLOT NO,17, GAYATRI AVENUR, VADAVALLI P.O., COIMBATORE - 641 041, PPO NO. KR/KCH/60465, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/805. ``` - **`8 SASIDHARAN PILLAI. P. B. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. V. BHASKARA MENON, PARC 286A, KARTHIKA, KALAVATH ROAD, PALARIVATTOM, KOCHI - 682 025, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00070869, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/342.`** - **`9 GOROGE THOMAS AGED 72 YEARS S/O. N. G. THOMAS, NEDUMTHALLIL HOUSE, H.B-20, K.K.P. NAGAR, U.C. COLLEGE P.O., ALUVA - 683 102, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00039595, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/29.`** - **`10 BALAGOPAL. V. N. AGED 60 YEARS S/O. V. U. NATARAJAN, VELEYATH HOUSE, SOUTH ADUVASSERY, CHENGAMANAD - 683 578, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00099735, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/335.`** - **`11 MOHAN KUMAR. R. AGED 70 YEARS S/O. P. RAMAN NAIR, MOHANAM, E5 FOREST OFFICE LANE, VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695 014, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00062977, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/1380.`** - **`12 JOSEPH AUGUSTIN AGED 65 YEARS S/O. A. E. AUUSTIN, ALUMMOOTTIL, BEHIND HMC CLUB, ST. FRANCIS CHURCH ROAD, KALOOR, ERNAKULAM - 682 017, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00072570, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/683.`** - **`13 ABDUL SAHAB AGED 66 YEARS S/O. P. M. NAGOOR MEERAN, 28/1343/D, PADOM STOP, KP VLLON ROAD, KADAVANTHRA, KOCHI - 682 020, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00069636, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/652.`** - **`14 NARAYANAN NAIR. D. AGED 70 YEARS`** 3 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` S/O. DAMODARAN NAIR, ANUSMITHA, KODIMITTAM, WEST KADUNGALLOOR (P.O), ALUVA - 683 110, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00042957, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/144. ``` - **`15 HAROLD. B. J. AGED 64 YEARS S/O. B. V. JOHN, 'BUNGALOWPARMABIL', 19/1940, BEHIND EARNAT TEMPLE, PALLURUTHY - 682 006., PPO NO. KR/KCH/00079930, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/364.`** - **`16 SRIKUMAR. C. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. M. PADMANABHA MENON, KANINGAHAT HOUSE, AVANOOR ROAD, VARADIUM, AVANOOR (P.O), THRISSUR - 680 541, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00065763, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/44.`** - **`17 XAVIER. A. J. AGED 62 YEARS S/O. A. C. JOSEPH, AMBALATHINGAL HOUSE, PACHALAM (P.O), KOCHI - 682 012, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00092453, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/431.`** - **`18 ANTONY. A. D. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. A. A. DEVASSY KUTTY, ARICKATT HOUSE, ANATHADAM, ALOOR (P.O.), THRISSUR - 680 683, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00073537, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/467.`** - **`19 BABYKUTTAN. C. A. AGED 65 YEARS S/O. P. KRISHNAN NAIR, THOPPIL HOUSE, DESAM P.O. ALUVA - 683 102, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00073135, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/1670.`** - **`20 NANDAKUMAR. C. K. AGED 60 YEARS S/O. KUTTIKRISHNA MENON, CHATHUPELLIL 'USHUS', MAIKAVU, VAPPALASSERY (P.O), ANGAMALY - 683 572, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00088654, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/433.`** - **`S/O. M. PADMANABHA MENON, KANINGAHAT HOUSE, AVANOOR ROAD, VARADIUM, AVANOOR (P.O), THRISSUR - 680 541, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00065763, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/44.`** - **`21 VENUGOPAL. C. AGED 65 YEARS S/O. M. CHANDRA SEKHARA PILLAI, HOUSE NO. 34/1216, PALAPPARAMBU ROAD, PUNNAKKAL, ELAMAKKARA (P.O), - 682 026, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00073130 EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/481.`** ``` 22 SWAMIKUTTAN. P. K. AGED 66 YEARS ``` 4 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` S/O. K. SIVASANKARAN NAIR, SWARARAG, SRA-31, SANTHI NAGAR, MAROTTICHODU, EDAPPALLY, KOCHI - 682 024, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00066279, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/312. ``` - **`23 KURUP. D. V. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. R. DAMODARA KURUP, 37/1198, L.B.S ROAD, CHUTTUPADUKARA, EDAPPALLY, - 682 024, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00069220, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/340.`** - **`24 SUBHASH CHANDRAN. K. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. K. KUTTAPPAN, POOVISERIL, ALUMPEEDIKA, OACHIRA - 690 547, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00077536, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/392.`** - **`25 SANTHOSHKUMAR. O. N. AGED 63 YEARS S/O. C. A. NARAYANAN, OCHALATH HOUSE, EROOR NORTH, THRIPONITHURA - 682 306, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00081751, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/371.`** - **`26 SADASIVAM. V. V. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. P. N. VENKATRAMA IYER, SUPRABHA, ADAYATH LANE, ELAMAKKARA - 682 026, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00053493, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/220.`** - **`27 SREEKUMAR. V. K. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. V. S.K. PILLAI, 48/585A, POORAM, KEERTHI NAGAR, ELAMAKKARA (P.O), KOCHI - 682 026, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00068932, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/576.`** - **`28 JOLLY VARGHESE AGED 64 YEARS S/O. M. T. VARGHESE, MELATH HOUSE, HOUSE NO.20, MARAVAR JUNCTION, MYTHRI LANE, ALUVA - 683 101, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00100280, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/576.`** - **`29 GANESHAN. H. AGED 64 YEARS S/O. HARIHARAN, THOTTATHIL HOUSE, THOTTAKKATTUKARA, ALUVA, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00083120, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/1671.`** - **`30 SREEKUMAR. M.S. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. M. N. SREEDHARAN, 1C, SKYLINE RIVERSECAPE APARTMENTS, THOTTUMUGHO, (P.O),ALUVA - 683 105., PPO`** 5 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` NO. KR/KCH/00081054, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/688. ``` - **`31 RAMACHANDRAN. N. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. K. MADHAVA MENON, GOVINDAM, TAGORE NAGAR, PONNETH TEMPLE ROAD, KADAVANTHRA - 682 020, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00053498, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/254.`** - **`32 WILSON C. P. AGED 64 YEARS S/O. C. J. PORINCHU, CHUNGATH HOUSE, VASANTH NAGAR, PATTURAICKAL, THIRUVAMBADY (P.O), THRISSUR - 680 022, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00080506, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/395.`** - **`33 SASI. K. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. KRISHNA PILLAI, 132, SARADANIVAS, K. P. ROAD, NEAR AKSHAYA HOTEL, RAMAVARAMAPURAM, NAGERCOIL, KANNITAKUMARI, TAMIL NADU - 629 001, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00053456, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/658.`** - **`34 GOPINATH. K. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. P.KARUNAKARA MENON, D-5, PERIYAR PALACE, KOTTARA KKADAVU ROAD, ALUVA - 683 101, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00040490, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/183.`** - **`35 SIVARAMAN. T. AGED 74 YEARS S/O. THIRUVAMALI SAMY, NO.2, AANNDAL PALANIAPPA NAGAR, MAHALINGAPURAM P.O., POLLACHI - 642 002, PPO NO. TN/CBE/49577, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/255.`** - **`36 VIJAYA MOHAN. P. AGED 68 YEARS S/O. R. PADMANABHAN NAIR, VATTAPPALLIL HOUSE, WARD - 23, VAIKAM, KOTTAYAM, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00020772, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/475.`** - **`37 PUSHKARAN. V. N. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN, VARIKKATTU, DESAM EAST, ALUVA - 683 102, PPO NO. KR/KCH/00055082, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/413.`** - **`38 JOHN P.THOMAS AGED 71 YEARS`** - **`S/O. P.K.THOMAS, PERINGAMALAYIL,MULAKULAM NORTH PO PIRAVOM-686664,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00044994.EPF A/C`** 6 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ## **`NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/172`** - **`39 RAJENDRAN. C. AGED 60 YEARS S/O. K. P. P. KARTHA, A2,PRATHIBHA APTS ,EAST KADUNGALLUR, ALUVA-683102,,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00099851.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/445`** - **`40 REGHURAJAN. K. AGED 60 YEARS S/O. KESAVA PILLAI, ARCHANA U.C.COLLEGE PO,ALUVA683102,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00099769.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/650`** - **`41 ABDUL KAREEM MOOPPAN. M. M. AGED 82 YEARS S/O. MAITHEEN MOOPPAN, MUNDAYAPURATH HOUSE, CHIRAYAM, PANAYIKULAM P.O,PPO NO.KR/KCH/0008310.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/156.`** - **`42 BENTY. V. P. AGED 76 YEARS S/O. K.A. JOHN, VAKAYIL HOUSE, KOONAMMAVU, ERNAKULAM, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00019302.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/27`** - **`43 JOSEPH. K. J. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. K. A. JOHN, VAKAYIL HOUSE, KOONAMMAVU, ERNAKULAM,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00019302. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/27.`** - **`44 VARGHESE. V. V. AGED 66 YEARS S/O.. KUNJU VAREETH, VITHAYATHIL HOUSE, ALANGAD P.O, ERNAKULAM-683511, PPO NO.KR/KCH/12300006917. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/248`** - **`45 JOSEPH. P. J. AGED 76 YEARS S/O. P. J. JOSEPH, PAZHAMPILLY, KONGORPILLY, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00020374. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/543.`** - **`46 ABDUL RAHIMAN. T. S. AGED 68 YEARS S/O. SAIDU MUHAMMED, METHARU PARAMBIL, BINANIPURAM P.O, ERNAKULAM, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00059790. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/163.`** 7 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 - **`47 KADER KUNJU. M. V. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. VEERAVUNNI, THURITHIPPURADU, MUTHIRAKKALA, MUPPATHADAM P.O, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00062140. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/120.`** - **`48 SOMANATHAN NAIR. P. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. UNNIKRURUPP, PULLELIL HOUSE, EAST KADUNGALLOOR U.C. COLLEGE P.O., ALUVA-682102, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00042956.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/123.`** - **`49 JOSEPH MATHAI, AGED 66 YEARS S/O. K. J. MATHAI, KALLOOR HOUSE, KADEPILLY ROAD, ALUVA-683102, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00052926. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/406.`** - **`50 HAMEED. K. S. AGED 72 YEARS S/O. SULAIMAN, ATHRAPPILLIL, WEST KADUGALLOR, ALUVA, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00038012. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/118.`** - **`51 MADHUSUDANAN. B. AGED 68 YEARS S/O. P. K. BHASKARAN, POLLAYIL, MOPPATHADAM P.O, ALUVA-683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00053495. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/166.`** - **`52 SUBRAMANNIAN. V. K. AGED 65 YEARS S/O. M. K. KOCHAIYYAPPAN, VADAYATHU HOUSE, JOHN POULROAD, MUPPATHADAM P.O., PIN 683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/101000002611. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/460.`** - **`53 SREEKUMARAN NAIR. N. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. P. NARAYANAN NAIR, SANTHI NILAYAM, KAVUMPADI, KOTHAMANGALAM, ERNALULAMPIN 686692, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00036229. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/84.`** - **`54 GEORGE. C. O. AGED 63 YEARS S/O. C. V. OUSO, CHIRAMMAL HOUSE, MADAPLATHURUTH, MOOTHAKUNNAM P.O., ERNAKULAM-683516, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00086841. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/646.`** - **`55 SALIM. P. K. AGED 64 YEARS`** 8 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` S/O. P. S. KUNJUMUHAMMED, PAMBINEZHATH HOUSE, MUDICKAL PERUMBAVOOR-683547, PPO NO.KR/KCH/140100005662. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/609. ``` - **`56 ANTONY. T. J. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. T. A. JOSEPH, THOTTAKATHU HOUSE, EDAYAR, THOTTAKATHU HOUSE, EDAYAR,BINANIPURAM-683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00035799. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/44.`** - **`57 ABDUL RAHIMAN. T. M. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. T. H. MUHAMMED, VEMBALA HOUSE, KAYANTIKKARA, MUPATHADOM P.O., ALUVA 683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00062043. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/129.`** - **`58 ABOBACKER. P. M. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. MUHAMMED, MUTHIRAKKALA, CHENNAMPILLIL, BINANIPURAM EDAYAR, ERNAKULAM 683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00032972. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/519.`** - **`59 UNNI. M. S. AGED 63 YEARS S/O. M. SANKARA PILLAI, PUTTANVEEDE, BINANIPURAM, EDAYAR-683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/150700002685. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/257.`** - **`60 OUSEPH. E. U. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. PATHROSE UTHUPPU, EDACKERI HOUSE, KAALESWARAM ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O., PIN 682305,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00065, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/563.`** - **`61 BABU. P. P. AGED 63 YEARS S/O. P. K. PADMANABHAN, PARVATHIPURAM, PARAVOOTHARA, MANNAM P.O., N.PARAVOOR, ERNAKULAM-683520, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00084577. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/620.`** - **`62 PRADEEPKUMAR. E. N. AGED 62 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN NAIR, MANAYIL HOUSE,THODUPUZHA, IDUKKI685584, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00035138. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/870.`** - **`63 MOHAMMED. K. A. AGED 72 YEARS S/O. ABOOBACKER, KARUVELLYPARAMBIL HOUSE, HANZAMANZIL,`** 9 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` PANAYIKULAM, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00037740. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/135. ``` ``` 64 SIVAN. T. N. AGED 72 YEARS ``` ``` S/O. NARAYANAN, VADASSERY PARAMBIL, THEKKEVEEDU, MUPPATHADAM P.O., ALUVA-683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00097147. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/60. ``` - **`65 POULOSE. K. P. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. K. I. POULOSE, POULSOE K.P, KANDATHIL HOUSE, CANAL ROAD, SUBASA LINE, U.C.COLLEGE P.O., ALUVA - 683102, PPO NO.KR/KCH/000554401. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/386.`** - **`66 XAVIER. P. J. AGED 76 YEARS S/O. P. V. JOSEPH, PAZHOOPADATH HOUSE, CHIRAYAM, PANAYIKULAM P.O., PPO NO.KR/KCH/00022673. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/82.`** - **`67 SURENDRAN. T. A. AGED 72 YEARS S/O. ACHUTHAN, SUSMITHA, WEST KADUGALLOR, ALUVA, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00039663. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/158.`** - **`68 KUNJU MOHAMMED. M. E. AGED 72 YEARS`** ``` S/O. EBRAHIM, MUTHIRAKKALA HOUSE, ERAMAM, MUPPATHADAM P.O., ALUVA-683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00039447. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/3. ``` - **`69 KARIM. M. A. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. AHAMMADUNNI, KARINTHALAPARAMB, EDAYAR, BINANIPURAM, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00043474EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/59.`** - **`70 GEORGE. T. AGED 72 YEARS S/O. THOMMON, KALLUPALATHINGAL,MUPPATHADAM P.O,ALUVA 683110,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00038451.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/42.`** - **`71 BABU. P. R. AGED 69 YEARS`** - **`S/O. P.R. RAGHAVAN, PALACKATTU HOUSE, KONGORPPILLY P.O., ALUVA-683525, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00052927. EPF A/C`** 10 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/459. ``` - **`72 RADHAKRISHNAN. T. P. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. P. R. RAGHAVAN, THITTOYIL HOUSE, EDAYAR, BINANIPURAM P.O, ALUVA 683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00063267. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/549.`** - **`73 GOPINATH. V. C. AGED 68 YEARS S/O. KRISHNAN, VADAKKE CHOLAYIL ,PAINKULAM P.O., THRISSUR, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00056804. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/125.`** - **`74 USMANKUTTY. M. K. AGED 70 YEARS S/O. KUNJUMUHAMMED, METHARUPARAMBIL HOUSE, BINANIPURAM P.O., PIN 683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00048193. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/165.`** - **`75 RICHARD GUNTHER AGED 70 YEARS S/O. A. J. GUNTHER, ROSSY COTTAGE,SOUTH KALAMASSERY,ERNAKULAM,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00047991.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/91.`** - **`76 PAILY. A. J. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. A. P. JOSEPH, ANTHIKKATU HOUSE, ELOOR SOUTH, UDYOGAMANDAL 683501, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00044225 .EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/43.`** - **`77 SUKUMARAN NAIR. P. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. A. P. JOSEPH, PARAKKATU HOUSE,MUPPATHADAM P.O,ALUVA 683110,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00043675.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/306.`** - **`78 KALADHARA BABU. K. AGED 70 YEARS S/O. SANKARA PILLAI, PANKAJNIVAS, WEST KADUNGALLOOR, PIN 683110, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00046434. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/47.`** - **`79 VENUGOPAL. P. S. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. A. R. SANKARA PILLAI, VELLAPPARA PUTHEN VEEDU, THEKKETHERA, PAZHAYANNUR, THRISSUR, PPO`** 11 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ``` NO.KR/KCH/00055112. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/90. ``` - **`80 GOVINDAN. C AGED 68 YEARS S/O. KONAN, ANUGRAHA, KOTTAM, MONDALUR P.O., KANNUR 670622, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00016884. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/16.`** ``` 81 SIVARAMAN. K. AGED 78 YEARS S/O. KRISHNAN NAIR, SATHY BHAVAN,WEST KADUNGALLOOR,SLUVA 683110,PPO NO.KR/KCH/007010662.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/14. ``` - **`82 SURENDRANATHA PANICKER, AGED 73 YEARS`** - **`S/O. KARUNAKARA PANICKER. K., SAGARIKA OLD 34/1323 AND NEW 38/726 ST.GEORGE LPS ROAD EDAPPALLY. KOCHI 682024 PPO NO.KR/KCH/00036656.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/72.`** - **`83 RAVEENDRAN. V. S. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. C. K. KUNHI RAMA MARAR, NIKUNJAM,ELIPETTACHIRA,KOOTHUPARAMBA P.O.PIN 670643,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00019876.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/61.`** - **`84 PRAKASAN. V. S. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. V. S. SANKARAN PILLAI, VAIKKATHSSERY HOUSE, AYYAMPILLY 682501, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00037302. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/234.`** - **`85 MUHAMMED KUNJU. P. M. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. MARIKKAR, PADINJAREPARAMBIL HOUSE CHIRANJE PARAMBIL, MUDIKKAL P.O., PIN 683547, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00053636. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/115.`** - **`86 BALAN. V. B. AGED 60 YEARS S/O. V. G. BHASKARAN NAIR, SREE VISHAKHOM, SOCIETY BOARD,MARADU P.O., ERNAKULAM 682304, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00101813. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/265.`** - **`87 SASIDHARAN. K. K. AGED 64 YEARS S/O. KUTTAPPAN, KEETUPARAMBIL, UDAYANAPURAM P.O., VAIKOM 686143, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00029697. EPF A/C`** 12 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ## **`NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/247.`** - **`88 JOHNY. N. M. AGED 66 YEARS S/O. N. U. MATHEW, NALIATH HOUSE,THIRUVANKULAM P.O., ERNAKULAM 682305, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00069576. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/484.`** - **`89 SREEDHARAN NAMBOOTHIRI. K. N. AGED 66 YEARS`** - **`S/O. NARAYANAN NAMBOOTHIRI, SREESYLAM, KOZHIPPILLY MANA, EDAYAR BINANIPURAM P.O., ERNAKULAM 683502, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00071137. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/505.`** - **`90 RAMAKRISHANAN. P. K. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. P. KRISHNAN NAIR, DHANYA NIVAS, EAST KADUNGALLORE U.C.COLLEGE P.O., ALUVA, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00040674. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/28.`** - **`91 KUNJUMOHAMMED. K. K. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. P. KRISHNAN NAIR, KUTTIMAKKAL HOUSE, ELOOR NORTH UDYOGAMANDAL, ERNAKULAM PPO NO.KR/KCH/00042288. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/46.`** - **`92 ABDUL RAHIMAN KUTTY. P. K. AGED 59 YEARS S/O. P. A. KOCHUNNI, PATTARU MADOM,CHITRA LANE, PLACE ROAD, ALUVA-683101,PPO NO.KR/KCH/00053068.EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/168.`** - **`93 ABDULKARIM. P. M. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. MAMMUKUNJU, PALAKKAPARAMBU, (W) VELIYATHU NADU P.O., PIN 683511, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00029837. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/80.`** - **`94 VIJAYAKUMAR. P. AGED 71 YEARS S/O. O. V. BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, NIRMALYAM, CANAL ROAD, EAST KADUNGALLOOR U.,C.COLLEGE P.O., ALUVA 683102, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00042055. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/270.`** - **`95 THANKAPPAN. V. S. AGED 69 YEARS S/O. V. K. SANKARAN, VENGAKALAYIL HOUSE, NJEEZHOOR P.O., KOTTAYAM 686612, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00054013 .EPF A/C`** 13 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ## **`NO.KR/KCH/2728/A/414.`** ``` 96 VARGHESE. N. A. AGED 70 YEARS S/O. N. V. AUGUSTIN, NADEPPARAMBIL HOUSE, 38/2328, MAMANGALAM, KANNAYATHU ROAD-53, PALARIVATTOR,KOCHI- 682025, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00046433. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/117. ``` ``` 97 MURALEEDHARAN. K. K. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. P. V. KRISHNANKUTTY NAIR, KOCHERIL HOUSE, VALLUVALLY, KOONAMMAVU P.O., ERNAKULAM 683518, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00061642. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/236. ``` ``` 98 RADHAKRISHNAN. N. S. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. A. ACHUTHAN NAIR, 45/1069/A, PES NO 78, GANDHI JAYANTHI ROAD, NORTH EXT, THAMMANAM P.O., ERNAKULAM 683032, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00066261. EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2728/B/259. ``` ``` BY ADV SRI.P.N.MOHANAN ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/2ND RESPONDENT`** ``` B.ANDREW PRABHU AGED 50 YEARS S/O. S. BHAKTHAVALASALAM (LATE) REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER, REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO), 'BHAVISHYANITHI BHAVAN', KALOOR, ERNAKULAM - 682 017, RESIDING AT KADAVANTHRA, KOCHI. ``` ``` BY ADV SMT.NITA.N.S. ``` ``` THIS CONTEMPT OF COURT CASE (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 20.10.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY ``` ``` DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 14 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ## **JUDGMENT** ## Anil K. Narendran, J. The petitioners, who are petitioners 1 to 82 and 84 to 99 in W.P.(C)No.30601 of 2018, 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 A1 judgment dated 26.02.2019 in that writ petition, which was one rendered following the judgment dated 12.10.2018 in 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: 15 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 “44. We accordingly hold and direct:- (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 16 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 provide for any cut-off date and thus those members shall 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 17 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 contribution under the amended scheme is held to be ultra 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 18 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 the learned Standing Counsel for the Employees Provident Fund Organisation, for the respondent. 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/10/11 19 Cont.Case (C)No.1717 of 2019 ## **`APPENDIX OF CON.CASE(C) 1717/2019`** ## **`PETITIONER ANNEXURES`** |**`ANNEXURE A1`**|**`CERTIFIED COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 26/02/2019 IN`**| |---|---| ||**`WPC 30601/2018`**| |**`ANNEXURE A2`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED 27.08.2020`**| ||**`OF THE RESPONDENT`**| |**`ANNEXURE A3`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE DETAILS OF THE REMITTANCE OF THE`**| ||**`11TH PETITIONER`**| |**`ANNEXURE A4`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DATED 06.10.2020`**| ||**`OF THE 11TH PETITIONER`**| |**`ANNEXURE A5`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DATED 24.11.2020`**| ||**`OF THE 11TH PETITIONER`**| |**`ANNEXURE A6`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION DATED 14.08.2020`**| ||**`OF THE RESPONDENT ISSUED IN RESPECT OF 12TH`**| ||**`PETITIONER`**| |**`ANNEXURE A7`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE DEMAND DRAFT ISSUED BY THE`**| ||**`CANARA BANK IN FAVOUR OF THE RESPONDENT`**| |**`ANNEXURE A8`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE LETTERS DATED 14.08.2020 IN`**| ||**`RESPECT OF THE 12TH PETITIONER`**| |**`ANNEXURE A9`**|**`A TRUE COPY OF THE LETTERS DATED 06.10.2020 IN`**| ||**`RESPECT OF THE 12TH PETITIONER`**|