High Court of KeralaSingle Judge2023-12-12Disposed of with directions to process and gran...

Peethambaran M.C. v Union of India and Others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C) NO.33744 OF 2017

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: Basant Balaji
Judgment Date: 2023-12-12
Court Decision / Holding: The court disposed of by directing the 4th respondent to consider the joint application for higher pension for petitioners and to pass appropriate orders and disburse the pension within 9 months from the date of receipt of the judgment, in light of EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B. (2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521).
Final Disposition: Disposed of with directions to process and grant higher pension through joint applications within nine months of receipt of the judgment; to apply the precedent in EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

PEETHAMBARAN M.C
V.G. KURUP
M.K. GOPINATHAN CHAITHANYA
ANTHONY P.J PUTHENPURACKAL HOUSE
JOHN K.M KEEYALIL HOUSE
C. RAMADASAN CHEMMEN KOTTIL HOUSE
DAMODRARAN C.K THOPPIL HOUSE
BHASKARAN A OMANA VIHAR
ABDULKAREEM P.O PUTHENPURAYIL VEEDU
VARGHESE M.J MANALOOR OALICKAL HOUSE
JOHNSON V.K VAZHAVINKATH HOUSE
P.N. VIJAYAPPAN NAIR
K.K. SURENDRAN
PRAKASAN N SREE VINAYAKAM
JOHNI D. PUKKAT
T.R. KRISHNAN KUTTY
BHASKARAN M.K
VENUGOPAL S. 'AYILYAM'
RADHAKRISHNAN K KRISHNAKRIPA
ROY T.J THOTTAKKARAYIL HOUSE
ROY T.J THOTTAKKARAYIL HOUSE (2nd)
GOPINATHAN P. NEETHANIVAS
RAVINDRA KUMARAN K
THAMPI P.M PATTASSERIL HOUSE
GOPINATHAN P KRISHNA KRIPA
RADHAKRISHNAN N.S B2
RAJAN P BO4 KENDRIYA VIHAR
RAVI K SUKUMARAMANGALAM
MOHAN T. 'SREERAGAM'
M.S. UNNIKRISHNAN
SUKUMARAN NAIR K.P
ARAVINDAN P. PRANANVAM
JOSE M.K MENACHERY
N. VASUDEVAN PILLAI
PUSHPA R
M. SHAMSUDIN
C.A. POULOSE
JOHNY K.T
GEORGE BABY CHERUPUSHPAM
RADHAKRISHNAN M. PULLUKULAM
I.L THOMAS
A. GOPALAN
M. CHANDRASEKHARAN
P.N. PARAMESWARAN PILLAI
DAMODARAN K
K.P. JOSEPH
S.K. MOHAN BABU
PURUSHOTHAMAN P.
DAVID V. PUTHENTHARAYIL
MERCY JOSEPH THAYIL
N. MOHANAN NAGATH
BABU RAJENDRA PRASAD
KERALADAS P ABHINITHA VIHAR
K.V. GEORGE
K. DANIEL AUGUSTINE
VELAYUDHAN P MEENACHIRAKADU
MOHANAN CHETTOAR SREEVYSAK
PAPPACHAN M.I MAZHUVANCHERY
C.M. DAVID CHIRIYANKANDATH
M.A. ABRAHAM MALICKAL
BABUKUTTY JOSEPH
K.P. JACOB
K.P. JAIRAJ PRASANTHY
KARTHIKEYAN K
T.V. VALSALAN "SREEVALSAM"
E. SUKUMARAN 'SHREYAS'
SURENDRAN P.V 'SOUPARNIKA'
RAJASEKHARAN NAIR T.J
RAJAN.M SANTHOSH BHAVAN
RAJAN K SOPANAM
SASIKUMAR M SOPANAM
NARAYANA PANICKER P
MOHAN DAS C.R
BALAKRISHNAN K.T
GOPALAN K.G
VARGHESE D THACHAPPALLIL
GOVINDAN D VYSAKHAM
VARGHESE K.A
R. RAVINDRAN
JOHNYKUTTY K.C
RADHAKRISHNAN P
RAJASEKHARAN NAIR M.K
REVIKUMAR M.K
C.N. SREEDHARAN
RAJESWARAN K.K
AYYAPPAN C.
M. RAMAKRISHNAN ROSHNI
P.D. MATHEW
GOPALAKRISHNAN V.P
R. SADASIVAN NAIR
K.J. ANTONY
GEORGE K.A
SOMAN P.B
K BALAKRISHNA PILLAI
JOSEPH MATHEW KOCHUPARAKKAL
C.M. GOPALAN
SUKUMARAN P ASWATHY
BALAKRISHNAN NAIR V
K. NARAYANA KAIMAL
GOPALAN P.C
RAMACHANDRAN NAIR A.
NARAYANAN A ARREKKAL
N. KESAVAN UNNI SURAAG
K.N. SADANANDAN KOLAVELIL
VARKEY M.T MANTHARAYIL
K. CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR
V. RAJENDRA PRASAD
BHASI P.A
CHARLES S.M
RAVI. A.U
AUGUSTINE P.A
JOSEPH SAMSON PUTHENPURACKAL
SREEDHARAN PULLAIKODI
JANARDHANAN NEELAYATH
PRABHAKARAN K.V
REGHUNATHAN NAIR B
JOSEPH P.J
JOHN C. VAZHAVILA
P.H. HANIPH PANICKER
P.V. CHANDRAN NAIR
BHARATHY K.T
MINI W.
ADDL. JAMEELA SHAMSUDHIN
ADDl SOBHANA P.A.
ADDl LEELAVATHI N.K.
ADDl SHAJI GOPALAN
ADDl LALITHA DEVI

Respondents

UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI-110001
CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION,BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,NEW DELHI-110066
REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION,PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004
SUB REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER NO. 36/685-A, BAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, KALOOR, ERNAKULAM-682 017
THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION, KOCHI REFINERY, AMBALAMUGHAL, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT-682 302
CHAIRMAN EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND TRUST,BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION, KOCHI REFINERY AMBALAMUGHAL, ERNAKULAM-682 302

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Respondents

• Sri S. Prasanth
• Sri P. Benny Thomas
• Sri D. Prem Kamath

Case Synopsis & Summary

The petitioners sought a ruling that their pension under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 be computed on the basis of their actual salary from the date they joined the Pension Scheme, so as to reckon pensionable salary accordingly. The writ petition aggregates a large number of individual employees (petitioners 1 through 127) challenging the present pension computation method, primarily in the context of the Bharat Petroleum Kochi Refinery and related EPF arrangements, and directs the authorities to reconsider the pension entitlement in light of a Supreme Court decision. The respondents contended that such entitlement requires a case-by-case examination: the date of reckoning and the date of the joint option must govern, and no blanket grant of higher pension is due without processing each case. The Kerala High Court, while noting the parties’ submissions, disposed of the matter by directing the 4th respondent to take up the joint application for higher pension on the petitioners' basis in view of EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B. (2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521), and to pass appropriate orders and disburse the pension within nine months of receiving the judgment. This order underscores the court's preference for consistent application of precedents to ensure timely pension disbursements to beneficiaries.

Provisions of Law Cited

Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952Pension Scheme under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners contend they are entitled to pension based on actual salary from the date of joining the Pension Scheme under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and seek higher pension under the scheme; they rely on the Supreme Court's ruling in EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B. (2022) to justify higher pension calculation and timely disbursement.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents' standing counsel argued that pension entitlement should be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering each employee's date of reckoning and the date of joint option, and that the department should process joint applications with no undue delay.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B.	2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521	Positive	The Supreme Court decision is cited as authority for granting higher pension based on actual salary from joining the Pension Scheme.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

1 WPC 33744/2017 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ``` PRESENT ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI ``` ``` TUESDAY, THE 12[TH] DAY OF DECEMBER 2023 / 21ST AGRAHAYANA, 1945 ``` ``` WP(C) NO.33744 OF 2017 ``` ## **`PETITIONER/S:`** - `1 PEETHAMBARAN M.C AGED 69 YEARS SREEVALSAM, KRA NO. 20, KAIPENCHERY ROAD, IRUMPANAM P.O, KARIGACHIRA, THRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-682309, EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/787. PPO NO. KR/KCH/43845.` - `2 V.G. KURUP "PRANAVAN", 6TH MILE, KOTTAYAM POIL, (VIA) PATHAYAKKUNNU, KANNUR-670691, EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/782. PPO NO. KR/KNR/20196.` - `3 M.K. GOPINATHAN CHAITHANYA, VELOOR, PUTHENCRUZ P.O, ERNAKULAM-682308, EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/469, PPO NO. KR/KCH/50600` - `4 ANTHONY P.J PUTHENPURACKAL HOUSE, KOLLENPADY, IRIMPANAM682309 ,EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/0855, PPO NO. 42333.` - `5 JOHN K.M KEEYALIL HOUSE, KANAYANOOR, ERUVELI, CHOTTANIKKARA-682312. , EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/860, PPO NO. KR/KCH/61393.` - `6 C. RAMADASAN CHEMMEN KOTTIL HOUSE, PO PAMPADI WEST (VIA), THIRUVILWAMALA, THRISSUR-680588. EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/2621/000/0001487/4386 , PPO NO. KR/KKD/00059676.` - `7 DAMODRARAN C.K THOPPIL HOUSE, SOUTH PARAVORR POST, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-682307, EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/748, PPO NO. KR/KCH/48527.` - `8 BHASKARAN A OMANA VIHAR, LANE NO. 35/5, JANATHA ROAD, VYTILA, KOCHI-019 EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/545 PPO NO. KR/KCH/45351.` - `9 ABDULKAREEM P.O PUTHENPURAYIL VEEDU, ARAGA NAGAR-30A, UNIVERSITY P.O, KALAMASSERY-622022, EPF A/C. NO. KR/10342129715., PPO NO. KR/KCH/00084334.` - `10 VARGHESE M.J MANALOOR OALICKAL HOUSE, KOLABHAGOM P.O, THADIYOOR, THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA-689545, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/810, PPO NO. KR/TVM/56933.` - `11 JOHNSON V.K VAZHAVINKATH HOUSE, H.NO. 16/916, THOPPUMPADY, KOCHI-682005, EPF A/C NO. KR/OOO2621/000/0000299. PPO NO. KR/KCH/00079333` 2 WPC 33744/2017 - `12 P.N. VIJAYAPPAN NAIR ANANDABHAVAN, A M ROAD, S.K. MARAR LINE, PERUMBAVOOR, ERNAKULAM -683 542. EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/857.PPO NO. KR/KCH/46721.` - `13 K.K. SURENDRAN KOLPURATH HOUSE, KAITHARAM P.O, KOTTUVALLY VILLAGE, ERNAKULAM , EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/751. PPO NO. KR/KCH/42343.` - `14 PRAKASAN N SREE VINAYAKAM, S.N. LANE, CANAL ROAD, NORTH PARAVUR P.O, ERNAKULAM -683513. EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/747. PPO NO. KR/KCH/42342.` - `15 JOHNI D. PUKKAT (H), MACHANTHURUTH, VADAKKEKARA P.O, ERNAKULAM-683522, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/745. PPO NO. KR/KCH/42761.` - `16 T.R. KRISHNAN KUTTY RAMAKRISHNA MANDIRAM, ARPOOKARA EAST P.O, KOTTAYAM-686 008. EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/987, PPO NO. KR/KCH,45331.` - `17 BHASKARAN M.K MANGATTIL HOUSE,('SITHARA'), IRUMPANAM P.O, KOLLENPADY, ERNAKULAM 682309, EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/59. PPO NO. KR/KCH/45331.` - `18 VENUGOPAL S. 'AYILYAM', PRRA-185, PARAPPILLY ROAD, P.O. THIRUVANKULAM , ERNAKULAM-682309, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/59. PPO NO. KR/KCH/45331.` - `19 RADHAKRISHNAN K KRISHNAKRIPA (KOKOORI), PRRA-175, PARAPPYLLYL ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 305. EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/813. PPO NO. KR/KCH/43090.` - `20 ROY T.J THOTTAKKARAYIL HOUSE, PALACE, ERNAKULAM-682 301. EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/0630. PPO NO. KR/KCH/000895505.` - `21 ROY T.J THOTTAKKARAYIL HOUSE, PALACE ENCLAVE, HILL PALACE P.O, COCHIN PALACE, ERNAKULAM-682301.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/0630,PPO NO. KR/KCH/00089505.` - `22 GOPINATHAN P. NEETHANIVAS, CRA-53, CHATHARI, TRIPUNITHURA P.O, ERNAKULAM-682301.EPF A/C.NO. KR/KCH/762.` - `23 RAVINDRA KUMARAN K KARTHIKA-FNRA I, FIELD NAGAR-KOLAZHY, THRISSUR-680010,EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/OOO2621/000/0000990.PPO NO. KR/KCH/000 81708.` - `24 THAMPI P.M PATTASSERIL HOUSE, VADAYAMPADY P.O, PUTHENCRUZ-682308, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/OOO2621/000/0001252.PPO NO. KR/KCH/00071583.` - `25 GOPINATHAN P KRISHNA KRIPA, LBS ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-682305, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1408,PPO NO. KR/KCH/60927.` - `26 RADHAKRISHNAN N.S B2, RAGAM, KATTADY ENCLAVE, KADUNGAMANGALAM P.O, THIRUVANKULAM-682305, ERNAKULAM682305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/934.PPO NO. KR/KCH/54044` 3 WPC 33744/2017 - `27 RAJAN P BO4 KENDRIYA VIHAR, AMBALAMEDU PO, KARIMUGAL, ERNAKULAM -68203EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/704.PPO NO. KR/KCH/56915.` - `28 RAVI K SUKUMARAMANGALAM, MALLASSERY P.O, PRAMADAM, PATHANAMTHITTA 689 646. EPF A/C NO. KR/OOO2621/000/0001529.PPO NO. KR/TVM/00068180` - `29 MOHAN T. 'SREERAGAM' DREAMVILLA, P.O, KANUL, DHARMASALA, EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000166. PPO NO. KR/KCH/74170.` - `30 M.S. UNNIKRISHNAN C/O. P.K. RAHEEV, KRISHNAJANAM HOUSE,ARADHANA ROAD, PARAPPURAM JN, MANNARGHAT, PALAGHAT678 582.EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/753.PPO NO. KR/KCH/41483.` - `31 SUKUMARAN NAIR K.P KARTHIKA HOUSE, KAVARAPARAMBIL , IRUMPANAM P.O, 682 309, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/788.PPO NO. KR/KCH/45342.` - `32 ARAVINDAN P. PRANANVAM, PUTHUKKUDY, KOVOOR P.O, CALICUT MEDICAL COLLEGE, CALICUT-673 008.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/785.PPO NO. KR/KKD/33419.` - `33 JOSE M.K MENACHERY HOUSE, AMBAZHAKAD, P.O. ASHTAMICHIRA680731EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/214.PPO NO. KR/KCH/41444.` - `34 N. VASUDEVAN PILLAI ELAMANA HOUSE, IRIMPANAM P.O, TRIPUNITHURA (VIA) ERNAKULAM-682309.EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/812.PPO NO. KR/KCH/42757` - `35 PUSHPA R FLAT NO. 2E, ROYAL HERITAGE APARTMENT, PALLIPARAMBUKAVU ROAD, TRIPUNITHURA-682301. EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/000 85936.PPO NO. KR/KCH/000 2621/000/0000327.` - `36 M. SHAMSUDIN KANJIRAKUZHIYIL HOUSE, H.NO. 4/132-B-1, SANTHI NAGAR, MAROTTICHODU, EDAPPALLY P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 024.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/0003917,PPO NO. KR/KCH/00082929.` - `37 C.A. POULOSE CHATHELY HOUSE, THAMMANDIYIL ROAD, THEKKUMBHAGOM, ERNAKULAM 682 301. EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/618,PPO NO. KR/KCH/56916.` - `38 JOHNY K.T HOUSE NO. 21, KIZHAKKEDATHU HOUSE, HILL VALLEY GARDENS, AKATHUPADAM ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/000/0001410. PPO NO. KR/KCH/42764.` - `39 GEORGE BABY CHERUPUSHPAM, CHITRAPUZHA, IRIMPANAM P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 309, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1010,PPO NO. KR/KCH/42764.` - `40 RADHAKRISHNAN M. PULLUKULAM HOUSE, TRIVENI NAGAR, THIRUVANKULAM (PO), ERNAKULAM , EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/965PPO NO. KR/53981.` - `41 I.L THOMAS. MANJALY HOUSE, KOLLENPADY, SNEHANAGAR, P.O IRIMPANAM-682309, ERNAKULAM EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/495PPO NO. KR/KCH/42759.` 4 WPC 33744/2017 - `42 A. GOPALAN "HARIKRISHNA", PRRA/251, PARAPPILLIL ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-682305EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/719PPO NO. KR/KCH/42923.` - `43 M. CHANDRASEKHARAN 'INDRANEELAM', (PRRA 252-Z)PARAPPILLIL ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/467.PPO NO. KR/KCH/42926.` - `44 P.N. PARAMESWARAN PILLAI KARTHIKA, PUTHALATH ROAD, KALAMASSERY 683 104EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1777PPO NO. KR/KCH/42763.` - `45 DAMODARAN K KIZHAKKATHIL HOUSE, NANMINDA P.O, KOZHIKODE 673 104EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1318PPO NO. KR/KKD/42482.` - `46 K.P. JOSEPH KOTTANADAN HOUSE, RAYAMANGALAM P.O, PERUMBAVOOR-683 545 , EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/180. PPO NO. KR/KCH/63684.` - `47 S.K. MOHAN BABU SASTHAPARAMBIL, VAROKKAL P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 505.EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000695.PPO NO. KR/KCH/00078402.` - `48 PURUSHOTHAMAN P. PUDUSSERY KULAM HOUSE, ELATHUR POST, KOZHIKODE-673 303EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/805.PPO NO. KR/KCH/55449.` - `49 DAVID V. PUTHENTHARAYIL HOUSE, PUTHUPPALLY P.O, KAYAMKULAM, ALLEPPEY-690 527. EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/689PPO NO. KR/KCH/45349.` - `50 MERCY JOSEPH THAYIL, 8/265, MAMPILLY LANE(MLRA 27), SOUTH EROOR 682 306EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000415.` - `51 N. MOHANAN NAGATH HOUSE, MUTTITHADY P.O, ALAGAPPANAGAR, TRICHUR-680 317EPF A./C NO. KR/KCH/2621/1319PPO NO. KR/KCH/68451` - `52 BABU RAJENDRA PRASAD C.N CHENGAZHAPPELIL HOUSE, NIRANAM P.O, THIRUVALLA, PATHANAMTHITTA, EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0004151PPO NO. KR/TVM/00069875.` - `53 KERALADAS P ABHINITHA VIHAR, NORTH OF MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE, PURANATTUKARA , THRISSUR-680551,EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/794PPO NO. KR/KCH/45341.` - `54 K.V. GEORGE KALAMPADAN HOUSE, NEDUNGAPRA P.O, 683 545,EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/744PPO NO. KR/KCH/43231` - `55 K. DANIEL AUGUSTINE 279/II, KAPPITHAN PARAMBIL HOUSE, NEAR MANORAMA NEWS, ADOOR P.O, ALAPUZHA-688 534.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/693PPO NO. KR/KCH/56099.` - `56 VELAYUDHAN P MEENACHIRAKADU, HOUSE, IRIMPANAM P.O, CHITRAPUZHA-682 309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/189PPO NO. KR/KCH/53505.` 5 WPC 33744/2017 - `57 MOHANAN CHETTOAR SREEVYSAK, LBS-RA NO. 160, LBS ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM-682305.EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/2621/1029PPO NO. KR/KCH/50004.` - `58 PAPPACHAN M.I MAZHUVANCHERY, OLANAD, VARAPUZHA P.O, ERNAKULAM-683 517, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/0721.PPO NO. KR/KCH/48528.` - `59 C.M. DAVID CHIRIYANKANDATH HOUSE, VENKITAGU P.O, TRICHUR680 510,EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/723PPO NO. KR/KCH/49051.` - `60 M.A. ABRAHAM MALICKAL HOUSE, ANGADI, UNNAKKAVU P.O, RANNI, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 674.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1314PPO NO. KR/KCH/58791.` - `61 BABUKUTTY JOSEPH THEKKEDATHU HOUSE, THIRUVAMPADY P.O, PAZHOOTHURUTH NJEEZHOOR, KOTTAYAM-686 612EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001320PPO NO. KR/KTM/00028017.` - `62 K.P. JACOB KURIAKODU HOUSE, SAHAKARANA ROAD, SRA 115, EDAPPALLY 682 024EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/85PPO NO. KR/KCH/57026.` - `63 K.P. JAIRAJ PRASANTHY HOUSE, H. NO. PRA-34, POONTHANAM ROAD,THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/729PPO NO. KR/KCH/52738.` - `64 KARTHIKEYAN K KARTHIKA, NANGIARKULANGARA P.O, ALAPUZHA690 513EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/000572PPO NO. KR/KCH/00082858.` - `65 T.V. VALSALAN "SREEVALSAM", PERUNGALIKKANDY, P.O. VENGAD, VIA ANJARAKKANDY, KANNUR -670 612.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/949PPO NO. KR/KCH/42334` - `66 E. SUKUMARAN 'SHREYAS' P.O. MANISSERY, PALAGHAT-679 521,EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001013PPO NO. KR/KCH/00064555` - `67 SURENDRAN P.V 'SOUPARNIKA'LBSRA-292, SHASTRI ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001113PPO NO. KR/KCH/00069332.` - `68 RAJASEKHARAN NAIR T.J THEKKATTU HOUSE, VENNIKULAM P.O, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 544EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/899PPO NO. KR/KCH/62324` - `69 RAJAN.M SANTHOSH BHAVAN, HTRA-88, THIRUVANKULAM PO, ERNAKULAM-682 305,EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/1383PPO NO. KR/KKD/40623.` - `70 RAJAN K SOPANAM, P.O POONTHANAM, PERINTHALMANNA, MALAPPURAM 679 325EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1315PPO NO. KR/KKD/40623.` - `71 SASIKUMAR M SOPANAM, KAVARAPARAMBU ROAD, P.O. IRIMPANAM, ERNAKULAM 309, EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/0002621/1390PPO NO. KR/KCH/87410.` 6 WPC 33744/2017 - `72 NARAYANA PANICKER P CHITHIRA HOUSE, KOLLANPADY, IRUMPANAM PO, THRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM,EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/1390PPO NO. KR/KCH/87410.` - `73 MOHAN DAS C.R NANDANAM, NILA H. NO. 35, KOLLANPADI, IRUMPANAM (PO)-682 309 EPF A/C NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001411PPO NO. KR/KCH/00066190.` - `74 BALAKRISHNAN K.T 'TAPASYA' MAMPILLY LANE, EROOR SOUTH (PO), ERNAKULAM 682306,EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001456PPO NO. KR/KCH/00078567.` - `75 GOPALAN K.G SREE VIHAR, CHATHARI, TIPUNITHURA P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 306, EPF A/C.NO. KR/2621/759PPO NO. KR/KCH/42778.` - `76 VARGHESE D THACHAPPALLIL HOUSE, VAIKAPRAYAR P.O, VAIKOM, KOTTAYAM 686142EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/808.PPO NO. KR/KCH/41479.` - `77 GOVINDAN D VYSAKHAM HOUSE, PADAM STOP, K.P. VALLON ROAD, KADAVANTHRA P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 020EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/809.PPO NO. KR/KCH/141472` - `78 VARGHESE K.A KUNNATH HOUSE, BHAVAN'S ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM 682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000900PPO NO. KR/KCH/00075168.` - `79 R. RAVINDRAN ANUGRAH, AMBADIMALA, JADUNGAMANGALAM P.O, ERNAKULAM EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/798PPO NO. KR/KCH/583841.` - `80 JOHNYKUTTY K.C GOOD HOPE HOUSE, VAYANASALA ROAD, CHITRAPUZHA, IRUMPANAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-682309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/859PPO NO. KR/KCH/51311` - `81 RADHAKRISHNAN P PRANAVOM, KOLLANPADY, IRUMPANAM PO, ERNAKULAM-682 309.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/862PPO NO. KR/KCH/52740` - `82 RAJASEKHARAN NAIR M.K KAYYALAYIL PUTHEN PURACKAL, MEENADOM P.O, KOTTAYAM-686 516EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001535PPO NO. KR/KTM/00030426.` - `83 REVIKUMAR M.K RAVIMANDIRAM, NELLIYADUKKAM, KOLLAMPARA P.O, (VIA) NILESWARAM, KASARGOD-671 314.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001338PPO NO. KR/KNR/00045795.` - `84 C.N. SREEDHARAN SREE NILAYAM HOUSE,PARAPPILLIL ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/543PPO NO. KR/KCH/42758.` - `85 RAJESWARAN K.K RAJEEVAM, PALAKKAL, AYIRAKUZHI P.O, (VIA), CHITHARA, KOLLAM 691 559.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/796PPO NO. KR/KCH/48525.` - `86 AYYAPPAN C. CHALLIYIL PARAMBIL, THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM 682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1116PPO NO. KR/KCH/50002.` 7 WPC 33744/2017 - `87 M. RAMAKRISHNAN ROSHNI, HPNRA 29, 3RD STREET, KOLLANPADY, IRUMPANAM PO, ERNAKULAM 682 309,EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/980.PPO NO. KR/KCH/50002.` - `88 P.D. MATHEW PADIPPURATH HOUSE, MULLANICKADU, VAZHAMUTTOM PO, OMALLOOR, PATHANAMTHITTA-689 647,EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/588PPO NO. KR/KCH/50006` - `89 GOPALAKRISHNAN V.P 'PRANAVAM' PUTHIYA ROAD JN, P.O IRIMPANAM-682 309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/779PPO NO. KR/KCH/00046424.` - `90 R. SADASIVAN NAIR KOYIPURATHU HOUSE, MUTHUKULAM SOUTH PO, ALEPPY-690 506EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/795PPO NO.KR/KCH/49050.` - `91 K.J. ANTONY KATTOOR HOUSE, IRIMPANAM P.O, CHITHRAPUZHA, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-682 309.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/892PPO NO. KR/KCH/45336.` - `92 GEORGE K.A KATTIPARAMBIL HOUSE, 29/2689C, POONITHURA TEMPLE ROAD, POONITHURA PO, PETTA, ERNAKULAM,EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000852PPO NO. KR/KCH/00069168.` - `93 SOMAN P.B PADINJAREKKARA HOUSE, THAMARACHAL, KIZHAKKAMBALAM P.O, ERNAKULAM-683 562EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000617.PPO NO KR/KCH/00074660.` - `94 K. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI THARAVADU, NEAR PERUMANA LPS, VALIYARATHALA, OORUTTAMBALAM PO, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695 507.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/846PPO NO. KR/KCH/45339.` - `95 JOSEPH MATHEW KOCHUPARAKKAL, MAVELI NAGAR, 4TH CROSS ROAD, CUSAT P.O, KOCHI-682 022, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/716PPO NO. KR/KCH/42760` - `96 C.M. GOPALAN AMBADATH HOUSE, KAVELESWARAM ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM , EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000181PPO NO. KR/KCH/00068477.` - `97 SUKUMARAN P ASWATHY NILAYAM, PARAPPILLY ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM, ERNAKULAM-682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/964PPO NO. KR/KCH/53503.` - `98 BALAKRISHNAN NAIR V 'SURABHI', KALLANPADY, IRIMPANAM P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1316PPO NO. KR/KCH/60741` - `99 K. NARAYANA KAIMAL KRISHNA KRIPA, CHERRY VIEW, MARKER ROAD, TRIPUNITHURA-682301EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/687PPO NO. KR/KCH/44217.` - `100 GOPALAN P.C NISHA BHAVAN, CHAITHANYA NAGAR LANE 6,EROOR WEST, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM 682 306EPF A/C. NO. KR/000KCH/0002621/000/0000266PPO NO. KR/KCH/00070365.` - `101 RAMACHANDRAN NAIR A. 'SARATH', I.N. MENON LANE, N.F. GATE, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM 682301EPF A/C NO. KR/2621/0216PPO NO. KR/KCH/41445.` 8 WPC 33744/2017 |`102`|`NARAYANAN A ARREKKAL HOUSE, IRUMPANAM P.O, ERNAKULAM -682`| |---|---| ||`309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/968PPO NO. KR/KCH/60095`| |`103`|`N. KESAVAN UNNI SURAAG, I.N. MENON LANE, N.F GARE,`| ||`TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM 301 EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/0389PPO`| ||`NO. KR/KCH/66264.`| |`104`|`K.N. SADANANDAN KOLAVELIL, USHUS, IRIMPANAM PO,`| ||`ERNAKULAM-682 309EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/0389PPO NO.`| ||`KR/KCH/66264.`| |`105`|`VARKEY M.T MANTHARAYIL, MINI INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ROAD,`| ||`IRIMPANAM, TRIPUNITHUTA-682 309.EPF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/2621/155.PPO NO. KR/KCH/41492.`| |`106`|`K. CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR LBSRA 242, DWARAKA, VYAVASAYA`| ||`ESTATE ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, 682 305, EPF A/C. N O.`| ||`AR/LCH/0002621/000/0000901PPO NO. KR/KCH/00072789.`| |`107`|`V. RAJENDRA PRASAD KRISHNAKRIPA, ARINALLUR SOUTH P.O,`| ||`KOLLAM-690 538EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/1209.PPO`| ||`NO. KR/KCH/64357.`| |`108`|`BHASI P.A PARAPPILLIL HOUSE, SANTHI NAGAR, MAROTTICHODU,`| ||`EDAPPALLY P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 024EPF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/KCH/2621/0574PPO NO. KR/KCH/64357`| |`109`|`CHARLES S.M 92/9, ANANTHA BHAVANA STREET, TERKU`| ||`KALLIKULAM PO, TIRUNELVELI, TAMILNADU, 627 113.EPF A/C.`| ||`NO. KR/KCH/2621/188PPO NO. KR/KCH/53570.`| |`110`|`RAVI. A.U 1/579, RASHMI, UDAYAMPEROOR P.O, PUTHIYAKAVU,`| ||`ERNAKULAM-682 307.EPF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000585.PPO NO. KR/KCH/00079073.`| |`111`|`AUGUSTINE P.A PERUMPARA HOUSE, PO CHUNDA, (VIA),`| ||`CHERUPUZHA, KANNUR-670 511,EPF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000772PPO NO. KR/KCH/00070364.`| |`112`|`JOSEPH SAMSON PUTHENPURACKAL HOUSE, THUMPOLLY P.O,`| ||`ALAPPUZHA-688 008EPF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/KCH?0002621/000/0001533PPO NO. KR/KCH/00078955.`| |`113`|`SREEDHARAN PULLAIKODI SREEVIHAR, MUIPRA, ERUVESSY P.O,`| ||`KANNUR-670 632EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/768PPO NO.`| ||`KR/KNR/27196.`| |`114`|`JANARDHANAN NEELAYATH 'GURUKRIPA', CHALAD P.O, KANNUR-670`| ||`014.EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/2621/718PPO NO. KR/KNR/20794`| |`115`|`PRABHAKARAN K.V KALARIKKAL HOUSE, PO VALAPPAD BEACH,`| ||`THRISSUR-680 567.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/752PPO NO.`| ||`KR/KCH/41482.`| |`116`|`REGHUNATHAN NAIR B CHYTHRAM, NORTH GATE HILL PALACE,`| ||`HPNRA-8, P.O IRUMPANAM, ERNAKULAM-680 567.EOF A/C. NO.`| ||`KR/2621/752.PPO NO. KR/KCH/41482.`| 9 WPC 33744/2017 - `117 JOSEPH P.J PULAPARAMBIL HOUSE, THEKKUMBHAGAM, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-682 301, EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/754PPO NO. KR/KCH/41484.` - `118 JOHN C. VAZHAVILA ALUMOOTIL HOUSE, PLAKKODU, EZHUKONE, KOLLAM DISTRICT-691 505EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0001040PPO NO. KR/KCH/00070396.` - `119 P.H. HANIPH PANICKER KARYAKARI PARAMBU, PETTAH, POONITHURA P.O, ERNAKULAM-682 338EPF A/C. NO. KR/KCH/0002621/000/0000592PPO NO. KR/KCH/00075167.` - `120 P.V. CHANDRAN NAIR PANACKAL THEKKETHIL HOUSE,PAVUMBA P.O, THAZHAVA, KARUNAGAPPALLY, QUILON DISTRICT-670 574.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1002.PPO NO. KR/KCH/52739.` - `121 BHARATHY K.T W/O. LATE M.K. KARUNAKARAN, MARETHUPARAMBIL, KANJIRAMATTOM P.O, ERNAKULAMEPF A/C. NO. RPFC/IPF. KR/2621/3158PPO NO. KR/KCH/49044.` - `122 MINI W/O. LATE SRI. MATHAI.M, THAZHATHOOT HOUSE, THIRUVANKULAM P.O, ERNAKULAM 682 305.EPF A/C. NO. KR/2621/1269PPO NO. KR/KCH/41473.` - `123 ADDL. JAMEELA SHAMSUDHIN AGED 50 YEARS NOMINEE AND W/O LATE MM SHAMSUDIN, KANJIRAKUZHIYIL HOUSE, H.NO.4/132-B1, SANTHI NAGAR, MEAROTTICHODU EDAPPALLY P.O., ERNAKULAM 682 024, EPF A/C NO.KR/KCH/2621/0003917. PPO.NO.KR/KCH/00082929.` - `124 ADDL.SOBHANA P.A. AGED 1 YEARS NOMINEE AND W/O.LATE T.V.VALSALAN, SREEVALSAM, PERUNGALKKANDY P.O., VENGAD, VIA ANJARAKKANDY, KANNUR-670 612, EPF A/C NO.KR/2621/949, PPO NO.KR/KCH/42334` - `125 ADDL.LEELAVATHI N.K. AGED 1 YEARS NOMINEE AND W/O.LATE C.N.SEEDHARAN, SREE NILAYAM HOUSE, PARAPPILLIL ROAD, THIRUVANKULAM P.O., ERNAKULAM 682 305, EPF A/C.NO.KR/2621/543, PPO NO.KR/KCH/42758.` - `126 ADDL.SHAJI GOPALAN AGED 1 YEARS NOMINEE AND W/O.LATE GOPALAN P.C., NISHA BHAVAN, CHAITHANYA NAGAR LANE 6, EROOR WEST, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM 682 306 EPF A/C. NO.KR/000KCH/OOO2621/000/0000266 PPO NO.KR/KCH/00070365.` - `127 ADDL. LALITHA DEVI AGED 1 YEARS NOMINEE AND W/O.N.KESAVAN UNNI, SURAAG, I.N.MENON LANE, N.F.GATE, TRIPUNITHURA, ERNAKULAM-301 EPF A/C.NO.KR/2621/69, PPO NO.KR/KCH/00041494. ADDITIONAL PETITIONERS NOS. 123 TO 127 IMPLEADED AS PER THE ORDER DATED 07.10.2020 IN I.A.01/2020 BY ADVS. T.K.RAJESHKUMAR SMT.T.N.BINDU KUM.APARNA SOMARAJAN SMT.MERSEENA VINCENT` 10 WPC 33744/2017 ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - `1 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI-110001.` - `2 CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION,BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, 14-BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE,NEW DELHI-110066.` - `3 REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION,PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 004.` - `4 SUB REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER NO. 36/685-A, BAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, KALOOR, ERNAKULAM-682 017.` - `5 THE CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION, KOCHI REFINERY, AMBALAMUGHAL, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT-682 302.` - `6 CHAIRMAN EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND TRUST,BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION, KOCHI REFINERY AMBALAMUGHAL, ERNAKULAM-682 302.` - `BY ADVS. SRI.S.PRASANTH SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.D.PREM KAMATH` ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 12.12.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 11 WPC 33744/2017 ## **JUDGMENT** (Dated this the 12[th] day of December 2023) The relief sought in this Writ Petition is to declare that the petitioners are entitled to get pension on the basis of pensionable salary reckoned in accordance with their actual salary from the date of joining the Pension Scheme under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. 2. The standing counsel appearing for the respondents submits that the entitlement has to be decided by taking each of the employees cases on the basis of the date of reckoning and the date of joint option. The said exercise has to be done by the respondents without much delay. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of directing the 4[th] respondent to take up the joint application, on the basis of the entitlement of the petitioners for higher pension, in view of the judgment of the Apex court in 12 WPC 33744/2017 **EPFO v. Sunil Kumar B. (2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521)** and pass appropriate orders and disburse the pension within a period of 9 months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. **Sd/- BASANT BALAJI, JUDGE** _dl/_ 13 WPC 33744/2017 ## **`APPENDIX OF WP(C) 33744/2017`** ``` PETITIONER EXHIBITS ``` ``` EXHIBIT P1A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA, DATED 04.11.2011. IN WP(C) NO. 6643/2007. ``` ``` EXHIBIT P2A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT IN SLP(C) NO. 33031/2015 AND CONNECTED CASES DATED 12.7.2016. ``` ``` EXHIBIT P3A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 4.10.2016 IN CIVIL APPEAL NOS. 10013,10014 OF 2016 OF THE HON'BLE SUPREME COURT. ``` ``` EXHIBIT P4A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THIS HON'BLE HIGH COURT IN WP(C) NO. 31525/2013 DATED 4.03.2014. ``` ``` EXHIBIT P5A TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR DATED 31.5.2017. ```