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High Court of KeralaSingle JudgeDisposed of

M.S.KUMARAN and others v. Union of India and others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C) No.12383 of 2020

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Sathish Ninan
Judgment Date
2023-10-03
Court Decision / Holding
Writ petition disposed of. Petitioners are permitted to file appropriate applications seeking enhanced pension in terms of the amended Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, in light of the Supreme Court’s directions. If such applications are filed, they shall be considered by the appropriate authority of the EPFO without delay.
Final Disposition
Disposed of

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • M.S.KUMARAN
  • SATHYAN K.
  • RAJENDRAN C.
  • PRADEEPKUMAR P.N.
  • K.VIJAYASEKHARAPILLAI
  • T.OMANAKUTTAN
  • SHIV KUMAR PANDEY
  • S.L.SIMIMOL
  • BIJULAL BP
  • V.ANILKUMAR
  • P.PADMAKUMAR
  • K.RAJENDRAN
  • GOPALAN VALAKULAVAN
  • PHILOMINA V.V.
  • K.RAHIM
  • SIMON JAMES
  • P.VIJAYAGOVINDAN
  • THANKAMMA M.
  • MATHIAS JOSEPH
  • DR.SHEELA P.NAIR
  • B.RAVEENDRAN
  • GOPALAKRISHNAN K.
  • SURENDRAN M.P.
  • MANOHARAN T.
  • GRACIOUS PATHROSE
  • K.N.RAJU
  • RASHEED M.A.
  • JOSEPH JULIAN
  • K.C.AYYAPPANPILLAI
  • SOMAVALLY
  • K.AHMMEDKOYA
  • YUNISKUTTY M.
  • M.G.RAVIKUMAR
  • N.SUDHAKARAN
  • E.THANGALKUNJU
  • L.THULASEEDHARAN
  • K.RAGHAVAN
  • K.THULASEEDHARAN
  • M.SAINUDEENKUNJU
  • M.T.OMANAKKUTTAN PILLAI
  • S.BENJAMIN
  • A.AMEERHAMSA
  • A.P.SUSEELAN
  • MATHEW THOMAS
  • K.GOPALAKRISHNAN
  • K.CHANDRAN
  • A.SULAIMANKUNJU
  • D.VIJAYAN
  • G.SIVANANDAN
  • K.PARTHASARATHY
  • T.VIJAYAKUMAR
  • K.RAJENDRAN
  • K.SATHYASEELAN
  • P.RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR
  • C.AZAD
  • E.SHAMSUDEEN
  • R.S.RAMAKUMAR
  • C.SWAMY DAS
  • RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR C
  • C.M.MANI
  • E.OFFOOR KUTTY
  • T.K.BALACHANDRAN NAIR
  • O.K.VENUGOPALAN
  • C.R.VENU GOPAL
  • S.MANILAL
  • B.RAJENDRAN PILLAI
  • S.PREMACHANDRAN
  • A.MOHAMMED KUNJU
  • GNANADAS H.
  • ANNABHOOSHANI S

Respondents

  • UNION OF INDIA (represented by Secretary to Govt. of India, Ministry of Labour and Department of Employment, New Delhi-110 001)
  • REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO), BHAVISHANIDHI BHAVAN, PATTOM, PALACE, THIRUVANANTHURAM, PIN-695 004
  • ASSISTANT PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER SUB REGIONAL OFFICE, EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO), BHAVISHANIDHI BHAVAN, KOLLAM-691 001
  • EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND TRUSTEE REPRESENTED BY MANAGING TRUSTEE, EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND OFFICE, BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, WASIRPUR, NEW DELHI
  • REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER-1 (PENSION), BHAVISHYA NITHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI BHAVISHYA NITHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI CAMA PALACE, NEW DELHI-1
  • INDIAN RARE EARTH LTD. REPRESENTED BY ITS UNIT HEAD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM 691 001

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • P. N. MOHANAN
  • • SRI C.P. SABARI

Counsels for Respondents

  • • P. VIJAYAKUMAR (ASGI)
  • • SRI. PIRAPPANCODE V.S. SUDHIR

Case Synopsis & Summary

The Kerala High Court, in WP(C) No.12383 of 2020, heard a large group of IREL (India) Ltd employees at Chavara, Kollam, seeking higher pension under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme as amended in 2014. The petition asserts that the amended EPF Scheme provides enhanced pension rights, and the petitioners request directions to grant higher pension to the employees under the amended framework. The respondents concede that the core issue is the validity and effect of the 2014 amendment, and they rely on the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the amended scheme in Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and Another v. Sunil Kumar B. (2022(7) KHC 12), which creates a pathway for petitioners to file fresh applications under the amended scheme. The court accepts that the Supreme Court ruling permits such fresh applications, and directs that if the petitioners file appropriate applications for enhanced pension, they must be considered by the competent authority of the EPFO without delay. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with a clear procedural route: petitioners may file fresh applications under the amended scheme; the organization’s authorities are to process them promptly in line with the Supreme Court directions. The decision reinforces the validity of the amended scheme while providing a concrete mechanism for beneficiaries to pursue enhanced pension rights.

Provisions of Law Cited

Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme – 2014 amendment

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend that they are entitled to enhanced pension under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme as amended in 2014. They rely on the amended scheme’s framework to secure higher pension benefits and seek a direction to the EPFO and the employer to grant enhanced pension to eligible employees. They argue that the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the amended scheme in Sunil Kumar B. supports access to the amended scheme’s benefits via a fresh application process, rather than retroactive relief under the earlier regime. The petition seeks a procedural pathway consistent with the amended scheme and the Supreme Court directions, ensuring due process and timely consideration of their claims.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents submit that the key issue is the validity of the amended EPF Scheme, which the Supreme Court has upheld in Sunil Kumar B. Consequently, petitioners should be allowed to file fresh applications under the amended scheme for enhanced pension. The respondents emphasize that the court should dispose of the petition by directing that such applications be considered promptly by the appropriate authority of the EPFO, and that no retroactive relief should be granted outside the amended framework. They urge strict adherence to the amended scheme’s provisions and the SC’s directions, stressing procedural compliance and timely decision by the authorities.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation and Another v. Sunil Kumar B.2022(7)KHC 12PositiveThe judgment upholds the validity of the 2014 amended EPF Scheme, which the Kerala High Court relies upon to permit fresh applications for enhanced pension under the amended scheme.

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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 SATHISH NINAN** **TUESDAY, THE 3[RD] DAY OF OCTOBER 2023 / 11TH ASWINA, 1945** ## **WP(C) NO. 12383 OF 2020** ## **PETITIONERS:** - **1 M.S.KUMARAN (EMP. NO.1480), HEAD SECURITY GUARD, IREL (INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA KOLLAM, UA NO.100210931349.** - **2 SATHYAN K. (EMP. NO.1501), SECURITY GUARD-E, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM, UA NO.100184414158.** - **3 RAJENDRAN C. (EMP.NO.1487), SECURITY CUM DRIVER, IREL (INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM, UA NO.100120965494.** - **4 PRADEEPKUMAR P.N. (EMP.NO.X337), DEPUTY TECHNICAL OFFICER (PRODUCTION), IREL(INDIA) LTD. CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00109248, UA NO.100263856844.** - **5 K.VIJAYASEKHARAPILLAI (EMP.NO.1430), MULTI TECHNICAL STAFF, UA NO.100184750582. IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **6 T.OMANAKUTTAN (EMP.NO.X 344), DTO(ELECTRICAL), UA NO.100387936670. IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **7 SHIV KUMAR PANDEY (EMP.NO.X 384), CHIEF MANAGER (PURCHASE), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM EPF ACCOUNT NO.KR/KLM/274-A/5467.** - **8 S.L.SIMIMOL (EMP.NO.1505), MULTI TASKING STAFF, UA NO.100324032415 IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **9 BIJULAL BP (EMP.NO.1508), SENIOR CHEMIST (I), UA NO.100579970509, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **10 V.ANILKUMAR (EMP.NO.1322), SR.TR OP MECH., UA NO.100398234520, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **11 P.PADMAKUMAR (EMP.NO.1225), CHARGE MAN (MECH.)J, UA NO.100263934568,** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 2 **IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **12 K.RAJENDRAN** - **(EMP.NO.1476), HEAD SECURITY GUARD (A), UA NO.100184161344, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **13 GOPALAN VALAKULAVAN** **(EMP.NO.1486), SECURITY GUARD (C) UA NO.100155119064, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **14 PHILOMINA V.V.** - **AGED 68 YEARS** **D/O. VANDROSE, SREEMANGALAM, PUTHUKKADU (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 585, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00073788, CNO.1391, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **15 K.RAHIM AGED 65 YEARS** **D/O. KOCHUKUNJU, PANATTUVADAKKATHIL, P.V.SOUTH, EDAKKULANGARA (PO), KOLLAM, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00083470, UA NO.100184138621, CNO.879, R/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **16 SIMON JAMES** - **AGED 65 YEARS** **D/O. JAMES, SIMI BHAVANAM, KULANGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00085027, UA NO.100356485662, CNO.1465, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **17 P.VIJAYAGOVINDAN AGED 69 YEARS** **S/O. BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, PANTHALINKAL HOUSE, CHERUSSERIBHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN691 583, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00071419, CNO.1288, SR.TR.OPERATOR (DREDGE), IREL (INDIA) LTD.,** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 3 ## **CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **18 THANKAMMA M. AGED 70 YEARS D/O. DIVAKARAN A, MOHANABHAVANAM, CHERIAZHEEKKAL (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PPO NO.KR/KLM/67367, CNO.1214, TALLY CLERK, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **19 MATHIAS JOSEPH AGED 65 YEARS S/O. JOSEPH, KOCHUPETHIRU PURAYIDAM, KARITHURA, CHAVARA(PO), KOLLAM. U.A.NO.100224115164 CNO.1464, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **20 DR.SHEELA P.NAIR AGED 61 YEARS D/O. K.RAJENDRA PRASAD, VAIKUNDAM, TRA 137, THEKKEVILA (PO), KOLLAM-691 016. U.A.NO.100141331274 CNO.X324, CHIEF MANAGER (QC), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **21 B.RAVEENDRAN AGED 67 YEARS S/O. N.BHANU, MAVILISSERILVEEDU, VADAKKUMTHALAMEKKU, VADAKKUMTHALA (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00076905 CNO.865, R/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **22 GOPALAKRISHNAN K. AGED 67 YEARS S/O. KARUTHAKUNJU, KOOTTUVATHUKKAL, KESAVAPURAM, AYANIVELIKKULANGARA (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PIN-690 518. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00077061 CNO.868, R/W WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **23 SURENDRAN M.P.** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 4 ## **AGED 67 YEARS** **S/O. PARAMU, MOZHISSERIILPURATHU, VADAKKUMTHALAMEKKU, VADAKKUMTHALA (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PPO NO.KR/KLM/75143, CNO.859, R/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **24 MANOHARAN T.** **AGED 69 YEARS** **S/O. THANKAPPAN, KUNDATHIL, DEEPA BHAVANAM, POROOKKARA, EDAPPALLYCOTTAH (PO), KOLLAM. PPO NO.KR/KLM/71601 CNO.1181, R/W WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **25 GRACIOUS PATHROSE** **AGED 64 YEARS** **S/O. PATHROSE, IMALDA MANDIRAM,KARITHURA, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00092017, U.A.NO.100156516111 CNO.1466, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **26 K.N.RAJU** **AGED 60 YEARS** **S/O. KR NARAYANA SWAMY, ANAMIKA, PCNRA-7D, 18TH MURI, THIRUMULLAVARAM(PO), KOLLAM-12. U.A.NO.100183886892 CNO.X 78, MANAGER (MINING), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **27 RASHEED M.A. AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. M.MOHAMMED KUNJU, ROSHINI, KANNANALLOOR ROAD, KOTTIYAM, KOLLAM, PIN-691 571. U.A.N.NO.100209663790, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00094024, CNO.X 74, DGM(MAINTENANCE), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **28 JOSEPH JULIAN AGED 60 YEARS** **S/O. JULIAN, THIRUKUDUMBALAYAM, KARITHURA, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 U.A.N.NO.100178179772, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00101168,** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 5 **CNO.1471, SECURITY CUM FIRE GUARD, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **29 K.C.AYYAPPANPILLAI** ## **AGED 75 YEARS** **S/O. KESAVAPILLAI, SREEVALSAM, PUTHUKKADU(PO) CHAVARA, KOLLAM-PIN-691 585. PPO NO.KR/TVM/33747, EPF AC NO.KR/274A/169, CNO.315, OPERATOR, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **30 SOMAVALLY** **AGED 72 YEARS** **W/O. SANKARAPILLAI, KALEELIL KIZHAKKATHIL, SOPANAM, VADUTHALA, PUTHENCHANTHA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/TVM/55754, CNO.1197, HELPER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **31 K.AHMMEDKOYA AGED 67 YEARS** **D/O. KOCHUKUNJU, MEENATHIL PUTHENVEEDU, MARU SOUTH, ALUMKADAVU (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PPO NO.KR/KLM/76090 CNO.862, R/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **32 YUNISKUTTY M. AGED 67 YEARS** **S/O. MOHAMMED KUNJU, FATHIMAMANZIL, KOZHIKKODUMEKKU, S.V.MARKET P.O., KARUNAGAPPALLY PPO NO.KR/KLM/00076924, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1897, CNO.864, W/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **33 M.G.RAVIKUMAR AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. K.S.GOPINATHAN NAIR, MAMPUZHAVEEDU, PALACKAL, THEVALAKKARA, KOLLAM PIN-690 524, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00097303, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/1283, UAN 100209976640, EMP NO.X358,** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 6 **DTO(ELEC), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **34 N.SUDHAKARAN AGED 73 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN, CHOLAYILHOUSE, MUKUNDAPURAM (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 , PPO NO.KR/TVM/00046558, PF AC NO.KR/274-A/2511, CARD NO.1188, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **35 E.THANGALKUNJU AGED 70 YEARS S/O. EBRAHIMKUTTY, HARIS MANZIL, MUKUNDAPURAM(PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 585, PPO NO.KR/KLM/66380, PF AC NO.KR/274A/2058, ARD NO.844, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **36 L.THULASEEDHARAN AGED 60 YEARS** **S/O. LEKSHMANAN, CHIPPY, EDAVATTOM-B, VELLIMAN (P.O), KOLLAM, PIN-691 511. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00104294, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/1635, CARD NO.1237, TRADES MAN-G(FITTER), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **37 K.RAGHAVAN AGED 68 YEARS S/O. KARUTHAKUNJU, RAREERAM, KALLELIBHAGOM (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PIN-690 519. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00072848, PF AC NO.KR/274-A/2659, CARD NO.1399, STO(MACHINIST), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **38 K.THULASEEDHARAN AGED 63 YEARS S/O. T.KRISHNAN, NIRMALYAM, ITI WARD, CHANDANATHOPPI (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 014. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00095693, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/1683, CARD NO.1267, STO(WELDER), IREL(INDIA)** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 7 ## **LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **39 M.SAINUDEENKUNJU** ## **AGED 66 YEARS** **S/O. MUHAMMEDKUNJU, CHAYAKKARANPARAMBIL, MARU SOUTH, ALUMKADAVU (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PIN691 014. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00083485, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1835, CARD NO.886, R/S WORKER, IREL (NDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **40 M.T.OMANAKKUTTAN PILLAI** ## **AGED 73 YEARS** **S/O. THANKAPPA KURUP, MANNOOR BUNGALOW, VADAKKUMTHALA(PO), KARUNAGAPALLY, PIN-690 536, PPO NO.KR/TVM/39615, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/154, CARD NO.X 42, MANAGER (PROJECTS), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **41 S.BENJAMIN** - **AGED 73 YEARS** **S/O. SIMON, GRACE VILLA, KANNIMEL CHERI, KAVANADU, KOLLAM-3 PPO NO.OLD-KR/TVM/31152 PPO NO.NEW-KR/KLM/00108915 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/70, CARD NO.135, TRADES MAN(D), IREL (INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **42 A.AMEERHAMSA** **AGED 66 YEARS** **S/O. ASANARUKUNJU M, ANWARSHAMANZIL, KALLELIBHAGOM, EDAKKULANGARA (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY-690 523, PPO NO.KR/KLM/83471, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1960, CARD NO.877, R/S WORKER, IREL (INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **43 A.P.SUSEELAN AGED 70 YEARS S/O. A.V.PARAMU, S.L.COTTAGE, KALLELIBHAGOM(PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, PIN-690 519, PPO NO.KR/KLM/66941, PF AC NO.KR/274A/777, CARD NO.X241, DTO(MAINTENANCE),** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 8 **IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **44 MATHEW THOMAS** **AGED 70 YEARS S/O. M.THOMAS, TC 12/161, KUNNUKUZHY, THEKKUMMOODU, VANCHIYOOR PO, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 035. PPO** **NO.KR/TVM/74435 PF AC NO.KR/274-A/155, CARD NO.X55, SR.MANAGER (MECH), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **45 K.GOPALAKRISHNAN** **AGED 69 YEARS** **S/O. KOCHATHAN, AMBILI BHAVAN, PAYYALAKKAVU, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/72863, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/2105, CARD NO.850, RAW SAND WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** - **46 K.CHANDRAN** **AGED 68 YEARS** **S/O. C.P. KUTTAPPAN, JAYA BHAVANAM, KOTTACKAKOM, PAYYALAKKAVU, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/74388, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/2117, CARD NO.852, RAW SAND WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **47 A.SULAIMANKUNJU** **AGED 67 YEARS** **S/O. ALIYARUKUNJU, THATTARU KIZHAKKATHIL, MADAPPALLY, KUKUNDAPURAM (PO), CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 585 PPO NO.KR/KLM/76088, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/2487, CARD NO.1043, RAW SAND WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **48 D.VIJAYAN AGED 68 YEARS S/O. DAMODHARAN, BIJU BHAVANAM, KULANGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/74686 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 9 **A/2510, CARD NO.1197, RAW SAND WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **49 G.SIVANANDAN** ## **AGED 68 YEARS** **S/O. GOVINDAN, KARTHIKA VILASOM, KULANGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 585 PPO NO.KR/KLM/74886, PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/5313, CARD NO.1458, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **50 K.PARTHASARATHY** **AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. KARUTHAKUNJU, SARATHYBHAVAN, MARUTHOORKULANGARA SOUTH, ALUMKADAVU (PO), KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM, PIN-690 573 PPO NO.KR/KLM/00093884 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/2492, CARD NO.1169, STO(ELECTRICAL), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **51 T.VIJAYAKUMAR AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. THANKAPPANACHARI, KALEELILKIZHAKKATHIL, VADUTHALA, PANMANA, PUTHENCHANTHA (PO), KOLLAM, IN-691 587 PPO NO.KR/KLM/93344 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1299, CARD NO.1059, SENIOR MAISTRY(B), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **52 K.RAJENDRAN** **AGED 67 YEARS** **S/O. KUMARAN, SABU NIVAS, KULANGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/75566, PF AC NO.KR/274-A/2113, CARD NO.860, SECURITY CUM FIRE GUARD (A), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **53 K.SATHYASEELAN AGED 74 YEARS** **S/O. KUNJUPILLA, SATHYALAYAM, CHERUSSERIBHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 10 **691 583 PPO NO.KR/TVM/43840 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/2477, CARD NO.951, RAW SAND WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **54 P.RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR** ## **AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. PARAMU NAIR, MANOJ BHAVANAM, KOVOOR, ARINALLOOR (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-690 538 PPO NO.KR/KLM/94173, PF AC NO.KR/274-A/1219, CARD NO.985, WORKERS, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **55 C.AZAD** ## **AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. CHELLAPPAN, ARUN VIHAR, NETTIYADU, EDAPPALLYCOTTA (PO), PANMANA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/95694 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/1950, CARD NO.907, SECURITY CUM FIRE GUARD, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **56 E.SHAMSUDEEN** ## **AGED 68 YEARS** **S/O. EBRAHIMKUTTY, PANAVILAVADAKKETHARAYIL, MUKUNDAPURAM (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 585 PPO NO.KR/KLM/74541 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274A/1695, CARD NO.1273, WORKER (BS), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **57 R.S.RAMAKUMAR AGED 70 YEARS S/O T.K.RAMAKRISHNAPILLAI, H-1, KARUNA, JAWAHAR NAGAR, TRIVANDRUM, PIN-695 003 PPO NO.KR/TVM/45261 PF AC NO.KR/274-A/868, CARD NO.X190, DGM(S AND D), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **58 C.SWAMY DAS AGED 73 YEARS S/O. A C CHELLAKKAN NADAR, SWATHY, 84 CARMEL MOUNT ROAD, PONNAPPANADARNAGAR, NAGERCOIL(PO),** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 11 **KANYAKUMARI, PIN-629004 PPO NO.TN/TNY/45512 PF AC.NO.KR/274-A/5145, CARD NO.X212, GENERAL MANAGER (PRODUCTION), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **59 RADHAKRISHNAN NAIR C** **AGED 72 YEARS S/O. P.CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR, ROHINI, THENKARATHALA, ATHIYANNOOR, ARALUMMOODU (PO), NEYYATTINKARA, TRIVANDRUM, PIN-695 123 PPO NO.KR/TVM/45262 PF AC NO.KR/KLM/274-A/877 CARD NO.X 201, DGM(PMS AND E), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **60 C.M.MANI** **AGED 73 YEARS S/O. C.M.MANI, CONNAYIL, 1/426-A, ALATHARA, KULAPURAM LANE, SREEKARYAM (PO), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 017, PPO NO.KR/TVM/33434, PF AC NO.KR/274-A/0006 CARD NO.MX-15, GENERAL MANAGER (MRDC), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **61 E.OFFOOR KUTTY AGED 69 YEARS** **S/O. EBRAHIMKUTTY, NEDIYEZHATHU PADEETTATHIL, PUTHUKKADU (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, PIN-691 585 PPO NO.KR/KLM/71599, PF AC.NO.KR/274-A/265, CARD NO.X213, DEPUTY TECHNICAL OFFICER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **62 T.K.BALACHANDRAN NAIR AGED 69 YEARS S/O. THANKAPPAN NAIR, SREE VINAYAK, SREERAMAPURAM, KALLUVATHUKKAL (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 578 PPO NO.KR/KLM/71585 PF AC.NO.KR/274-A/1329, CARD NO.1087, SENIOR OPERATOR, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **63 O.K.VENUGOPALAN** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 12 ## **AGED 65 YEARS** **S/O. KRISHNAN KUTTY, 8E, SFS KINGDOM, NEAR CHOICE SCHOOL, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM, KERALA-682 301 PPO NO.KR/KCH/82908, PF AC.NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1051, CARD NO.X 125, DY MANAGER (PROCESS CONTROL), IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **64 C.R.VENU GOPAL AGED 69 YEARS** **S/O. RADHAKRISHNAN, POORNIMA, MOTTACKAL, THEVALAKKARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-690 524 PPO NO.KR/KLM/68964, PF AC.NO.KR/274-A/415, CARD NO.X 200, PURCHASE OFFICER,IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** ## **65 S.MANILAL** **AGED 63 YEARS** **S/O. SADANANDAN, MANGALAM PARAMPIL, KULANAGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN691 583 PPO NO.KR/KLM/00094029, PF AC.NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1314, CARD NO.X 366, DY TECHNICAL OFFICER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **66 B.RAJENDRAN PILLAI AGED 61 YEARS** **S/O. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI, KANICHERIL, UTHUKKADU (PO), CHAVARA, KOLLAM, IN-691 585, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00105442, PF AC.NO.KR/KLM/274A/1307, CARD NO.1064, CHARGE MAN, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **67 S.PREMACHANDRAN AGED 73 YEARS S/O. A.SANKARA PILLAI, RADHIK, 339-D/6, PREYARA COLONY, K P ROAD, NAGERCOIL, KANYAKUMARI, THAMILNADU, PPO NO.ME/NKL/00108628, PF AC.NO.MD/NKL/274-A/869,** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 13 **CARD NO.X 179, DY MANAGER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **68 A.MOHAMMED KUNJU AGED 67 YEARS** **S/O. ALIYARUKUNJU, THOTTUKARA THEKKATHIL, VADAKKUMTHALA EAST, VADAKKUMTHALA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-690 536. PPO NO.KR/KLM/00078830, PF AC.NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1848, CARD NO.86, R/S WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **69 GNANADAS H. AGED 73 YEARS S/O. HARRIS, SAJITHA BHAVAN, CHENKOTTUKONAM (PO), THUNDATHIL (PO), VIA KARYAVATTOM, TRIVANDRUM, PIN-695 581. PPO NO.KR/TVM/00031486, PFAC.NO.KR/KLM/274-A/1491, CARD NO.1165, OPERATOR, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **70 ANNABHOOSHANI S AGED 68 YEARS D/O. SUKUMARAN, MALIEKAL, KULANGARABHAGOM, CHAVARA (PO), KOLLAM, PIN-691 583. PPO NO.KR/KLM/74387, PFAC.NO.KR/274-A/2653, CARD NO.1393, WORKER, IREL(INDIA) LTD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM.** **BY ADVS. P.N.MOHANAN SRI.C.P.SABARI** ## **RESPONDENTS:** - **1 UNION OF INDIA(UOI) REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVT. OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI-110 001.** WP(C) NO.12383 2020 14 - **2 REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO), BHAVISHANIDHI BHAVAN, PATTOM, PALACE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 004.** - **3 ASSISTANT PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER SUB REGIONAL OFFICE, EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (EPFO), BHAVISHANIDHI BHAVAN, KOLAM-691 001.** - **4 EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND TRUSTEE REPRESENTED BY MANAGING TRUSTEE, EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND OFFICE, BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, WASIRPUR, NEW DELHI.** - **5 REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER-1 (PENSION), BHAVISHYA NITHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI BHAVISHYA NITHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI CAMA PALACE, NEW DELHI-1.** - **6 INDIAN RARE EARTH LTD. REPRESENTED BY ITS UNIT HEAD, CHAVARA, KOLLAM691 001.** **BY ADVS.** - **P. VIJAYAKUMAR, ASGI** **SRI.PIRAPPANCODE V.S.SUDHIR** **THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 03.10.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:** ## **SATHISH NINAN, J. ============================== W.P.(C) No.12383 OF 2020 =============================== Dated this the 03[rd] day of October, 2023** ## **JUDGMENT** The claim of the petitioners is for higher pension in terms of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme – 2014 amendment. The validity of the amended Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme was upheld by the Apex Court in _**Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and Another v. Sunil Kumar.B. [2022(7)KHC 12]**_ . 2. The learned Standing counsel for the respondents points out that, in the light of the Supreme Court judgment, it is open for the petitioners to make a fresh application in terms of the amended scheme claiming higher pension, which could be considered in accordance with the scheme and the directions in the judgment. Resultantly, the writ petition is disposed of, permitting the writ petitioners to file appropriate ## **WP(C) No.12383 OF 2020** -2- application seeking enhanced pension in terms of the amended scheme and the directions of the Supreme Court. If such an application is submitted, the same shall be considered by the appropriate authority of the Organization without delay. **SATHISH NINAN JUDGE** NB/3-10 ## **APPENDIX OF WP(C) 12383/2020** ## **PETITIONER EXHIBITS** **EXHIBIT P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 4.11.2011 IN WPC NO.6643/2007. EXHIBIT P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 31.3.2016 IN SLP.NO.7074/2014. EXHIBIT P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDINGS DATED 20.2.2007 ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT. EXHIBIT P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT REPORTED IN I.L.R 2019(1) KER 614 IN WP(C) NO.13120/2015 DATED 12.10.2018. EXHIBIT P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 1.4.2019 IN SLP NO.9610/2019. EXHIBIT P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 25.2.2019 IN WPC NO.17867/2016. EXHIBIT P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 25.2.2020 IN WPC NO.30433/2019.** ## **RESPONDENTS EXHIBITS : NIL** ## **TRUE COPY** **P.A. TO JUDGE**