High Court of KeralaSingle Judge2023-12-19Disposed of

W.P.(C) No.38725/2023

Case / Petition Number:W.P.(C) No.38725/2023

Case Details & Bench

Court: High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges: Basant Balaji
Judgment Date: 2023-12-19
Court Decision / Holding: The petition is disposed of. The competent among the respondents are directed to re-consider the petitioners’ claims in light of the Supreme Court dictum in EPF Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B, within nine months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.
Final Disposition: Disposed of

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

PRAKASH S.
SURAJ P.S.
RAJAKUMAR N
NARAYANAN D.K
SAMPUJI V
MOHAMMED SHERIEF C.A
MOHANACHANDRAN PILLAI N
CHANDRADASAN R
BAIJU V
K. RAJASEKHARAN PILLAI
VIJAYAKUMARI V
GEETHA J
SATHEESH BABU M.S
S. RAJAGOPALAN
JACOB JOHN
GOPI K
LIZY PHILIP
VIJAYA C
MOHANAN B
THULASEEDHARAN K
ZEENATHU BEEVI P
SUBHASH BABU T
JABIRA BEEVI A
THAJUNNISA M
JAYADEVAN D
MURALEEDHARAN P
RADHAKRISHNA PILLAI G.S
MATHEW J
SASIKUMARI AMMA S
B. UDAYAN PILLAI
MURALEEDHARAN P
RAMESH K.S
G. SHAJI
USHA DEVI. D
ABRAHAM MATHEW
SUDARSANAN PILLAI K.G
S. HARILAL
PRADEEP B.B
SURESH BABU V
SRIL K
SUMADEVI S
SUDHA K
JAYASREE S
MALLIKAMMA. B
LISSY S
RAJENDRAN PILLAI. T
JOY S.G
SURESH S
VANAJA S
PRASANNAKUMAR V
SULAIKHA BEEVI. A
VILASINI .K
USHAKUMARI. P
AMBIKAKUMARI K
JOSEPH.T
SHAJAHAN. B
THAJU S.L
RAJU .E
NAVABUJAN
SUGANDHEE BAI M.S
REKHA. G
G. REMAMONI
SAJITHA BEEVI S.S
JACOB. L
SYAMALAKUMARI .C
LEELAMMA .L
MUHAMMED NAZARULLA
RUKKIYA BEEVI. L
MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI .C
KUNJUKRISHNA PILLAI .G
ASOKAN B.K
SREELETHA K.S
RAJU E.S
ANIL KUMAR .S
SREEKUMAR T
BEENA K.P
SURENDRAN NAIR B
SURESH .C
PRASENAN S
LALITHA M
VALSALA M
JACOB K
VINAYAKAN PILLAI N
SIVADAS S
JOHNY D
D. GEORGE
MARY PHILIP G
LEELAMMA K
LALI KUTTY DANIEL
SINDHU RANI S
JAYAN A.R
MOHANDAS D
GIGIMON T.V
MANOHARAN NAIR R
CHANDRA BABU G
LILY N.S
PRASAD S
SUJATHA K
VIKRAMAN PILLAI R
VIJAYAKUMAR V
BABURAJAN C
SURESH KUMAR S
LILLY S
THOMAS R.T
RAMESH S
SHER KHAN H

Respondents

UNION OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110 001 REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY
THE EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER, BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, 14, BHIKAJI CAMA PALACE, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110 066
REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER THE EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION KALOOR, ERNAKULAM, PIN – 682 017
KERALA STATE FINANCIAL ENTERPRISES LIMITED "BHADRATHA", THRISSUR, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, PIN – 680 020

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Respondents

• Gopikrishnan Nambiar
• M K. John Mathai
• Joson Manavalan
• Kuryan Thomas
• Paulose C. Abraham
• Raja Kannan
• Sri. Sajeev Kumar K. Gopal (SC)

Case Synopsis & Summary

This is a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution by a large class of former members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1995 seeking pensionary benefits under para 11(3) prior to amendment and under the amended para 11 as applicable, with computation based on the average monthly pay including piece-rate earnings during the contributory period of service and other pensionary reliefs. The petitioners contend they are entitled to retainment in Scheme 1995 and to the pension benefits, including interest on arrears, computed from retirement, and costs. The respondents include the Union of India (Ministry of Labour and Employment), the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner at Ernakulam, and Kerala State Financial Enterprises Limited (BHADRATHA), who oppose on the grounds that the matter is governed by the Supreme Court’s decision in EPF Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B. The High Court, noting the Supreme Court ruling, directs that the petitioners’ claims be reconsidered in light of that dictum. The judgment cites the Supreme Court decision and disposes of the petition by directing the competent respondents to re-consider the claims within nine months of receipt of a copy of the judgment, applying the directions therein. Exhibits include circulars and judgments (Exhibits P1–P3). The petition is therefore disposed of without granting the reliefs requested, but with a direction to re-consider under the Supreme Court framework.

Provisions of Law Cited

Paragraph 11(3) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1995 (pre-amended)amended Paragraph 11 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1995

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioners seek a mandamus to retain them in the Pension Scheme 1995 and to confer pensionary benefits under pre-amended para 11(3) and the amended para 11, with pensionable salary computed on the average monthly pay drawn, including piece-rate earnings during the last sixty months of service before exit. They also seek interest at 12% per annum on arrears and costs. They rely on the pension scheme provisions and prior judgments, urging the scheme must protect their pension rights.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents submit that the Central question has been settled by the Supreme Court in EPF Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B, and that the petitioners’ grievance should be considered in accordance with that dictum. They contend that the matter is to be decided within the framework laid down by the Supreme Court and that nine months from receipt of the judgment would suffice for reconsideration.

Cited Precedents (1)

Case Name	Citation	Treatment	Explanation
EPF Organisation v. Sunil Kumar B.	2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521	Positive	The judgment explicitly states that the petition will be treated in accordance with the directions laid down in the Supreme Court decision cited, and the High Court directs reconsideration under that framework.

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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 BASANT BALAJI ``` ``` TUESDAY, THE 19[TH] DAY OF DECEMBER 2023 / 28TH AGRAHAYANA, 1945 ``` ``` W.P.(C) NO.38725 OF 2023 ``` ## `PETITIONERS:` - `1 PRAKASH S., AGED 65 YEARS S/O. SIVADASAN G, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105730, RESIDING AT PUTHENVILA VEEDU, CHENGAMAND P.O, KOTTARAKARA, KOLLAM, PIN – 691 557` - `2 SURAJ P.S., AGED 62 YEARS S/O. PADMASANAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00116449, RESIDING AT RADHAMADHAVAM, ALTHARAMOODU, KADAKKAL P.O, PIN – 691 536` - `3 RAJAKUMAR N, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN S (LATE), P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105431, RESIDING AT DHARMMYA NIVAS, THALAVOORKONAM, KUZHIMATHICAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN – 691 509` - `4 NARAYANAN D.K, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. DAMODARAN ACHARI P, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00122805, RESIDING AT ATHULYA, MUTTARA P.O, ODANAVATTOM, KOLLAM, PIN – 691 512` - `5 SAMPUJI V, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. VELAYUDHAN K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124878, RESIDING AT CHERIKADAVIL, KOIVILA P.O, THEVALAKKARA, KOLLAM, PIN – 691 590` - `6 MOHAMMED SHERIEF C.A, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. ABDUL KHADER VYDIAN K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105914, RESIDING AT CHEMPANAZHIKAM, PUTHEN VEEDU, VADAMON P.O, ANCHAL, PIN – 691 306` 2 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `7 MOHANACHANDRAN PILLAI N, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. NARAYANA PILLAI R, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105726, RESIDING AT GOKULAM, PRA 107, PERUMPUZHA P.O, KUNDARA, KOLLAM DIST, KERALA, PIN - 691504` - `8 CHANDRADASAN R, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. SADASIVAN N, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00120133, RESIDING AT MAKAYIRAM, PANTHALAMMUKKU, MANALIYIL, PULIPPARA P.O, KADAKKAL, PIN - 691536` - `9 BAIJU V, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. VASUDEVAN R, P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00084980, RESIDING AT KAVYAM, KOTTAPPURAM, ELAMPAZHANOOR P.O, CHADAYAMANGALAM (VIA), KOLLAM, PIN - 691534` |`9`|`PIN - 691536`<br>`BAIJU V, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. VASUDEVAN R, P.P.O. NO.`<br>`KR/TVM/00084980, RESIDING AT KAVYAM, KOTTAPPURAM,`<br>`ELAMPAZHANOOR P.O, CHADAYAMANGALAM (VIA), KOLLAM, PIN`<br>`- 691534`| |---|---| |`10`|`K. RAJASEKHARAN PILLAI, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. G. KESAVA`| ||`PILLAI, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105735, RESIDING AT`| ||`LEKSHMI VILASAM, PAVITHRESWARAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN -`| ||`691507`| |`11`|`VIJAYAKUMARI V, AGED 61 YEARS W/O. S. JOSEPH (LATE),`| ||`P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00117349, RESIDING AT THANAL,`| ||`PERAYAM, MULAVANA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691503`| |`12`|`GEETHA J, AGED 60 YEARS W/O. CHANDRAN G, P.P.O. NO.`| ||`KR/KLM/00118432, RESIDING AT LALU NIVAS, OLAYIL,`| ||`THEVALLY P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691009`| |`13`|`SATHEESH BABU M.S, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. SOMASUNDARAN`| ||`NAIR P, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121020, RESIDING AT`| ||`SADMAJA, 9/1010, TKM COLLAGE P.O, KARICODE, KOLLAM,`| ||`PIN - 691005`| |`14`|`S. RAJAGOPALAN, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. A.N. SIVANANDAN,`| ||`P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105737, RESIDING AT KALLUMPURAM,`| ||`KOTTAPPURAM, PARAVOOR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691301`| |`15`|`JACOB JOHN, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. M.C. YOHANNAN (LATE),`| ||`P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00090143, RESIDING AT`| ||`MULAVANAKIZHAKKETHIL VILLA, THRIKKANNAMANGAL,`| ||`KOTTARAKARA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691506`| |`16`|`GOPI K, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. KOCHUKUNJU, P.P.O. NO.`| ||`KR/KLM/00119494, RESIDING AT VALIYAVILA VEEDU,`| ||`KARIMPIPUZHA P.O, PUTHOOR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691507`| 3 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `17 LIZY PHILIP, AGED 59 YEARS W/O. JACOB T.T, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121467, RESIDING AT THENGUVILA VEEDU, ARUMURIKKADA, KUNDARA P.O, PIN - 691501` - `18 VIJAYA C, AGED 60 YEARS W/O. MADHUKUMAR R, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00119465, RESIDING AT SREESAILAM, PRAYAR NORTH P.O, PRAYAR, OACHIRA, PIN - 690547` - `19 MOHANAN B, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. BALAKRISHNAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00119415, RESIDING AT ANIZHAM, CHANGANKULANGARA, OACHIRA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 690526` - `20 THULASEEDHARAN K, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. KUMARAN K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00118433, RESIDING AT VRINDAVANAM, NEW AISWARYA NAGAR-43, VADAKKEVILA P.O, MADANNADA, KOLLAM, PIN - 691010` - `21 ZEENATHU BEEVI P, AGED 63 YEARS W/O. ABDUL SALAM C, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105751, RESIDING AT ASIF MANZIL, COLLAGE NAGAR, TKMC P.O, KARICODE, KOLLAM, PIN - 691005` - `22 SUBHASH BABU T, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. THANKAPPAN G, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124869, RESIDING AT PALAVILATHAZHATHIL, NEDUVATHUR, KOTTARAKKA, PIN - 691506` - `23 JABIRA BEEVI A, AGED 59 YEARS W/O. MUHAMMED SHEREEF, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121676, RESIDING AT BISMI MANZIL, KANNANALLOOR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691576` - `24 THAJUNNISA M, AGED 59 YEARS D/O. MOHAMMED KUNJU A, P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00093596, RESIDING AT KOODATHIL, PULLOORMUKKU, KALLAMPALAM P.O, TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695605` - `25 JAYADEVAN D, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. DIVAKARAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00109410, RESIDING AT VINAYAKA, THEKKEVILA POST, KOLLAM, PIN - 691016` - `26 MONIAMMA P, AGED 64 YEARS W/O. JAYAMOHANAN PILLAI P, P.P.O. NO. KR/KCH/00102272, RESIDING AT AURO VILLA, VADAMON P.O, ANCHAL, KOLLAM DIST, PIN - 691306` 4 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `27 RADHAKRISHNA PILLAI G.S, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. P. GOPALAN NAIR, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00119414, RESIDING AT UTHRAM, IRUMPANANGADU P.O, EZHUKONE, PIN - 691505` - `28 MATHEW J, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. M. JOHN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124259, RESIDING AT JO VILLA, KARUVELIL P.O, EZHUKONE, KOLLAM, PIN - 691505` - `29 SASIKUMARI AMMA S, AGED 59 YEARS W/O. SURESH BABU C, PPO NO.KR/KLM/00124858, RESIDING AT NANDANAM, ALTHARAMOOD, KADAKKAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691536` - `30 B. UDAYAN PILLAI, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00108118, RESIDING AT SREERENGATHU VEEDU, STARCH JUNCTION, EDAVATTOM, VALLIMON P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691015` - `31 MURALEEDHARAN P, AGED 65 YEARS S/O. PADMANABHAN P, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124257, RESIDING AT NEELIMA, AGASTIACODE, ANCHAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691305` - `32 RAMESH K.S, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. K.V. SIVAN PILLAI, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00126567, RESIDING AT KIZHAKKETHIL HOUSE, AYOOR P.O, AKAMON, AYOOR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691533` - `33 G. SHAJI, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. GOPINADHAN G, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00115928, RESIDING AT KARTHIKAMANA, KOTTAPPURAM, ELAMPAZHANNOOR P.O, PIN - 691534` - `34 USHA DEVI. D, AGED 60 YEARS W/O. P.G. MANIVARNAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00119471, RESIDING AT GOKULAM, KALLUVATHUKKAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691578` - `35 ABRAHAM MATHEW, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. NINAN MATHEW, P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00082078, RESIDING AT VEERAPPALLIL, PAZHAKULAM P.O, ADOOR (VIA), PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA, PIN - 691554` - `36 SUDARSANAN PILLAI K.G, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. GOPALAKRISHNAPILLAI K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121271, RESIDING ATCHITHIRA, SIVA NAGAR 99, PUNTHALATHAZHAM, KILIKOLLOOR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691004` - `37 S. HARILAL, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. G. SUKUMARAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105811, RESIDING AT SREESAILAM, NELLIPPALLY P.O, PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691331` 5 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `38 PRADEEP B.B, AGED 58 YEARS S/O. BHASKARAN M.E, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124859, RESIDING AT MAYOORAM, ISWARYA NAGAR-13A, MANGAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691015` - `39 SURESH BABU V, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. VISWANATHAN K, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00107020, RESIDING AT SAFALAM, AYIRAKUZHY P.O, CHITHARA VIA, KOLLAM, PIN - 691559` - `40 SRIL K, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. A. KOCHU KUNJU, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105881, RESIDING AT SNEHA BHAVAN, MUKKOODU P.O, MULAVANA. KOLLAM, PIN - 691503` - `41 SUMADEVI S, AGED 65 YEARS W/O. SURENDRAN N, P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00082084, RESIDING AT TWINSLAND, OTTAPLAMMUKKU, VALIAKADA, CHIRAYINKIL, PIN - 695304` - `42 SUDHA K, AGED 64 YEARS D/O. A. RAMAN (LATE), P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00106266, RESIDING AT INCHAKKAL HOUSE, P.S.R.A-60, PUNNATHALA, ,THIRUMULLAVARAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691012` - `43 JAYASREE S, AGED 64 YEARS W/O. SURAJ P.S, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00106944, RESIDING AT RADHAMADHAVAM, ALTHARAMOOD, KADAKKAL P.O, PIN - 691536` - `44 MALLIKAMMA. B, AGED 65 YEARS W/O. VIJAYACHANDRA BABU V.J, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00098620, RESIDING AT THEKKE VEEDU, KADAKKAL P.O, PUTHUKONAM, PIN - 691536` - `45 LISSY S, AGED 63 YEARS W/O. VIJAYENDRAN N, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105654, RESIDING AT LISSY BHAVAN, VAYYANAM P.O, AYOOR (VIA), KOLLAM, PIN - 691533` - `46 RAJENDRAN PILLAI. T, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. THANKAPPAN PILLAI.N, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00105428, RESIDING AT CHOORATHOTTIL VEEDU, THANGASSERI P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691007` - `47 JOY S.G, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. S.GILLARIOUS, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00121639, RESIDING AT ANUGRAHA, MATHILIL P.O KADAVOOR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691009` - `48 SURESH S, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. SREEDHARA KURUP, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00116144, RESIDING AT ARAVINDAM, MARKET JUNCTION, KADAKKAL P.O,, PIN - 691536` 6 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `49 VANAJA S, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. SASIDHARAN S, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00117131, RESIDING AT SALINI NIVAS, THONIPPARA, HARIHARAPURAM P.O, AYIROOR, VARKALA, TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695310` - `50 PRASANNAKUMAR V, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. N.K.VELUPILLAI, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108495, RESIDING AT LEKSHMI VILAS, ULACODE, VAKKANAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691509` - `51 SULAIKHA BEEVI. A, AGED 60 YEARS W/O. YOUSUF S.A, UAN 100368054270, RESIDING AT MANNAYATH VEEDU, PALLIMUKKU, KADAKKAL, KOLLAM, PIN - 691536` - `52 VILASINI .K, AGED 60 YEARS W/O. RAJAN.P, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00121508, RESIDING AT VISMAYAM, KALLUVETTAMKUZHY, KULATHUPUZHA, KULATHUPUZHA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691310` - `53 USHAKUMARI. P, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. VENUGOPALAN NAIR, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108169, RESIDING AT USHUS, KADAKKAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691536` - `54 AMBIKAKUMARI K, AGED 59 YEARS W/O. ASOK KUMAR. S, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00121547, RESIDING AT CHARUTHA, THAZHAMEL. ANCHAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691306` - `55 JOSEPH.T, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. THOMAS.G, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108166, RESIDING AT BINCY BHAVANAM, CHEMMAKKAD P.O, PERINAD, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601` - `56 SHAJAHAN. B, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. BHARGAVAN.K, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108168, RESIDING AT KARUNYA, NJARACKAL, PERINAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601` - `57 THAJU S.L, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. SADASIVAN.K, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108117, RESIDING AT MULLAVANAM, THAZHUTHALA, KOTTIYAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691571` - `58 RAJU .E, AGED 62 YEARS S/O.ESTHAPHAN, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108501, RESIDING AT THANAL, MULAVANA P.O, KANJIRACODE, KOLLAM, PIN - 691503` - `59 NAVABUJAN, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. M.A.BAVA, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00124880, RESIDING AT ATTINKARA HOUSE, TRA-97, THEKKEVILA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691016` 7 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `60 SUGANDHEE BAI M.S, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. BABU.K.K, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00117350, RESIDING AT MANNATHUVILAVEEDU, KARICKAL, KARIMPINPUZHA P.O, PUTHUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691507` - `61 REKHA. G, AGED 59 YEARS D/O. GURUDAS.G, P.P.O NO.KR/KLM/00129034, RESIDING AT LISA APARTMENT, CHEMMANMUKKU, KOLLAM, PIN - 691021` - `62 G. REMAMONI, AGED 64 YEARS W/O. DEVARAJAN.C, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00099459, RESIDING AT SITHARA, THAZHUTHALA, KOTTIYAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691571` - `63 SAJITHA BEEVI S.S, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. LATE T. IBRAHIM KUTTY, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00116447, RESIDING AT THEJUS, NADUKUNNU, PATHANAPURAM, KOLLAM, PIN - 689695` - `64 JACOB. L, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. M. LUKOSE, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00122922, RESIDING AT KIZHAKKEDATHUPUTHENVEEDU, MUTTARA P.O, ODANAVATTOM, KOTTARAKKARA, KOLLAM, PIN - 691512` - `65 SYAMALAKUMARI .C, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. LATE MANIKANTAN PILLAI .B, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00116440, RESIDING AT KOTTAVILA VEEDU, NELLETTIL, BHOOTHAKULAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691302` - `66 LEELAMMA .L, AGED 63 YEARS W/O. MURALEEDHARANPILLAI, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108028, RESIDING AT PUTHUVEEDU, ALATTUKAVU NAGAR-80, KANNIMELCHERRY, KAVANAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691003` - `67 MUHAMMED NAZARULLA, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. ABDUL MAJEED, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00121668, RESIDING AT NAZ MANZIL, KANJIRATHUMMOOD, NEAR UPS, AYIRAKUZHY P.O, CHITHARA (VIA), KADAKKAL, KOLLAM, PIN - 691559` - `68 RUKKIYA BEEVI. L, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. MUHAMMED HANEFA. E, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108115, RESIDING AT KOLLAMVILA HAROONS, MUSLIM STREET, KOTTARAKARA P.O, KOTTARAKARA, PIN - 691506` - `69 MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI .C, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. CHANDRASEKHARANPILLAI.P, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00119468,` 8 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ ||`RESIDING AT DEVAKRIPA, VENCHEMPU, PUNALUR, KOLLAM, PIN`| |---|---| ||`- 691333`| |`70`|`KUNJUKRISHNA PILLAI .G, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. GOPALA`| ||`PILLAI, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00116141, RESIDING AT`| ||`SAROVARAM, VADAKKUMTHALA EAST P.O, VADAKKUTHALA,`| ||`KARUNAGAPPALLY, PIN - 690536`| |`71`|`ASOKAN B.K, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. BALAKRISHNAN.N, P.P.O`| ||`NO. KR/KLM/00119499, RESIDING AT INDIRAMANDIRAM,`| ||`NJARACKAL, PERINAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601`| |`72`|`SREELETHA K.S, AGED 58 YEARS W/O. PRADEEPKUMAR P.R,`| ||`UAN NO. 100361654813, RESIDING AT SREEDEEPAM, NEHRU`| ||`NAGAR -89, VADAKKEVILA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691010`| |`73`|`RAJU E.S, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. E.K. SREEDHARAN, P.P.O`| ||`NO. KR/KKD/00065060, RESIDING AT ROHINI, SOUHARDA`| ||`NAGAR-94, NEAR ELAVANTHY JUNCTION, KILIKOLLOOR P.O,`| ||`KOLLAM, PIN - 691004`| |`74`|`ANIL KUMAR .S, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. SANKARAN .K (LATE),`| ||`P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00119294, RESIDING AT ANIL BHAVAN,`| ||`KOOTTIKKADA P.O, THATTAMALA, KOLLAM, PIN - 691020`| |`75`|`SREEKUMAR T, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. N.THANKAPPAN NAIR,`| ||`P.P.O NO. KR/TVM/00084251, RESIDING AT AKSHAYA,`| ||`EDAMONVILA, MARUTHIKUNNU P.O, TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695603`| |`76`|`BEENA K.P, AGED 61 YEARS W/O. SASIDHARAN PILLAI .S,`| ||`P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00119304, RESIDING AT VALIYAPALAMAM,`| ||`KURUMANDAL, PARAVUR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691301`| |`77`|`SURENDRAN NAIR B, AGED 58 YEARS S/O. BHASKARAN NAIR`| ||`.G, P.P.O NO. KR/TVM/00094342, RESIDING AT PUTHUVAL`| ||`VEEDU, VENKULAM, EDAVA P.O, TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695311`| |`78`|`SURESH .C, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. CHANDRASEKHARAN PILLAI`| ||`.K, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00124857, RESIDING AT USHUS,`| ||`MEVARAM, THATTAMALA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691020`| |`79`|`PRASENAN S, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. SURENDRAN.K, P.P.O NO.`| ||`KR/KLM/108167, RESIDING AT KALATHARA, PARIPPALLY P.O,`| ||`KOLLAM, PIN - 691509`| |`80`|`LALITHA M, AGED 61 YEARS W/O. RAJAGOPALAN NAIR, P.P.O`| ||`NO. KR/KLM/00121466, RESIDING AT PAINGAVI`| 9 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ ``` LKIZHAKKATHIL, MURUNTHAL, ANCHALUMMOOD, PERINADU P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601 ``` - `81 VALSALA M, AGED 64 YEARS W/O. RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI V, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00106946, RESIDING AT PAINGAVIL KIZHAKKATHIL, MURUNTHAL, ANCHALUMMOOD, PERINADU P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601` - `82 JACOB K, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. Y. KIRIYAN, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00116450, RESIDING AT VENMALOTTU J K BHAVAN, ADUTHALA P.O, KARAMCODE, KOLLAM, PIN - 691579` - `83 VINAYAKAN PILLAI N, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. NARAYANAN NAIR K, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00108114, RESIDING AT KANIYARANKOTTUVEEDU, KANNANKODU, CHADAYAMANGALAM P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691534` - `84 SIVADAS S, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. SREEDHARAN PILLAI R, P.P.O NO. KR/KLM/00115918, RESIDING AT PULARI, VALIYAVENKODE, CHARIPPARAMBU P.O, KADAKKAL, PIN - 691536` - `85 JOHNY D, AGED 61 YEARS S/O. DANIEL, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121309, RESIDING AT DAIVADANATHU VEEDU, SOORANADU P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 690522` - `86 D. GEORGE, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. DOMINIC GEORGE, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00106431, RESIDING AT RANI BHAVAN, MANGADU, P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691015` - `87 MARY PHILIP G, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. J. BENANCE, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00109409, RESIDING AT MUNTHIAZHIKATHU VEEDU, NORTH MYLAKKAD, KANNANALLUR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691576` - `88 LEELAMMA K, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. A.S. JOSE, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00108102, RESIDING AT ALUVILA CHARUVILA PUTHEN VEEDU, NEDUMPANA P.O, NEAR PALAMUKKU, KANNANALLUR, KOLLAM, PIN - 691576` - `89 LALI KUTTY DANIEL, AGED 62 YEARS W/O. KUNJUMON, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00108100, RESIDING AT KOCHUKARIKKATHIL KALEELIL VEEDU, CHANNAPETTA P.O, ANCHAL, KOLLAM, PIN - 691311` 10 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `90 SINDHU RANI S, AGED 58 YEARS W/O. MOHANAN B, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00128810, RESIDING AT VADAKKECHALUVILA, KOONAYIL, PARAVOOR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691301` - `91 JAYAN A.R, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. ACHUTHAN PILLAI N, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121503, RESIDING AT AMMU NIVAS, SADANANDAPURAM P.O., KOTTARAKKARA, KOLLAM DIST, PIN - 691506` - `92 MOHANDAS D, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. DAMODARAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00121637, RESIDING AT VAISHNAVAM, MM. NAGAR-II, CKP WARD, PERINAD P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691601` - `93 GIGIMON T.V, AGED 58 YEARS S/O. VARKEY T.K, UAN NO. 100153273159, RESIDING AT THEKKEKADA VEEDU, KANJIRAKODE, KUNDARA P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691501` - `94 MANOHARAN NAIR R, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. RAMAKRISHNAN NAIR, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124864, RESIDING AT CHAITHANYAM, ADINADU NORTH P.O, KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM, PIN - 690542` - `95 CHANDRA BABU G, AGED 63 YEARS S/O. K. GOPALA PILLAI (LATE), P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00108502, RESIDING AT SREEDEVI SADANAM, PULIPRA, MULAVANA P.O, KUNDARA EAST, KOLLAM DIST, PIN - 691503` - `96 LILY N.S, AGED 58 YEARS S/O. SURENDRAN, UAN NO. 100206007841, RESIDING AT KOUMUDI, EZHAMKUTTY, KARINGANNOOR P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691516` - `97 PRASAD S, AGED 58 YEARS S/O. SANKARAN, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00130335, RESIDING AT SAI PRASADAM, AGASTHYACODE, ANCHAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691306` - `98 SUJATHA K, AGED 58 YEARS W/O. KOCHAYYAPPAN, UAN NO. 100366846811, RESIDING AT MANTHARAVILA VEEDU, MANTHARA, EDAVA P.O, VARKALA, PIN - 695311` - `99 VIKRAMAN PILLAI R, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI P, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00122932, RESIDING AT VADAKKUMKARA PUTHEN VEEDU, VELAMANNOOR P.O., KOLLAM, PIN - 691574` - `100 VIJAYAKUMAR V, AGED 60 YEARS S/O. VASUDEVAN PILLAI G, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00119469, RESIDING AT NIRMALALAYAM,` 11 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ ``` PALLICKAL P.O, KOTTARAKKARA, KOLLAM DIST, PIN - 691566 ``` - `101 BABURAJAN C, AGED 64 YEARS S/O. CHELLAPPAN PILLAI, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00106436, RESIDING AT VIJAYAMANDIRAM, CHENTHAPPUR, DECENT JUNCTION P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691577` - `102 SURESH KUMAR S, AGED 59 YEARS S/O. SIVASANKARAN NAIR, P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00124856, RESIDING AT SURESH BHAVAN, KUNNICODE P.O. KOLLAM, PIN - 691508` - `103 LILLY S, AGED 64 YEARS D/O. PADMANABHA KURUP (LATE), P.P.O. NO. KR/KLM/00105312, RESIDING AT PARVANAM, MRA9, S.N. COLLEGE JN., KOLLAM, PIN - 691001` - `104 THOMAS R.T, AGED 62 YEARS S/O. THOMAS P.T, P.P.O. NO. KR/TVM/00090453, RESIDING AT MUTHUKATTUKARA, NOORANAD P.O, ALAPPUZHA DIST, PIN - 690504` - `105 RAMESH S, AGED 58 YEARS S/O SREEDHARAN UNNITHAN K, UAN 100-305-271-520, RESIDING AT KILITHATTIL VEEDU, PADINJATTINKARA, ANCHAL P.O, KOLLAM, PIN - 691306` - `106 SHER KHAN H, AGED 65 YEARS S/O HUSAIN KHAN, P.P.O. NO. KRKLM00101185, RESIDING AT NEERONTHIYIL VEEDU, EZHIPPURAM, PARIPPALLY P.O., KOLLAM, PIN - 691574 BY ADVS. R.SANJITH C.S.SINDHU KRISHNAH` ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - `1 UNION OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110 001 REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY` - `2 THE EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER, BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAVAN, 14, BHIKAJI CAMA PALACE, NEW DELHI, PIN – 110 066` 12 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ - `3 REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER THE EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION KALOOR, ERNAKULAM, PIN – 682 017` - `4 KERALA STATE FINANCIAL ENTERPRISES LIMITED "BHADRATHA", THRISSUR, REPRESENTED BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, PIN – 680 020` ``` BY ADVS. Gopikrishnan Nambiar M K.JOHN MATHAI(K/413/1984) JOSON MANAVALAN(J-526) KURYAN THOMAS(K/131/2003) PAULOSE C. ABRAHAM(MAH/58/2006) RAJA KANNAN(K/356/2008) SRI.SAJEEV KUMAR K. GOPAL, SC ``` ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 19.12.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 13 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ ## JUDGMENT ( _Dated: 19[th] December, 2023)_ ## This writ petition has been filed seeking the following reliefs:- - _i) Issue a Writ of Mandamus and command respondents 1 to 3 to retain petitioners in Scheme, 1995 and confer them all the pensionary benefits under pre-amended paragraph 11(3) as also the amended paragraph 11 of the Scheme 1995 after computing the pensionable salary on the average monthly pay drawn in any manner including on piece rate basis during contributory period of service in the span of sixty months preceding his date of exit from the membership of the Pension Fund, within a time frame to be fixed by this Hon’ble Court._ - _ii) To issue a writ of mandamus, and command respondents 1 to 3 to grant interest @ 12% per annum on the arrears of monthly pension, after computing the pensionable salary on the average monthly pay drawn in any manner including on piece rate basis during contributory period of service in the span of sixty months preceding his date of exit from the membership of the Pension Fund, from his date of retirement to the actual date of payment, within a time frame to be fixed by this Honourable Court._ - _iii) To pass any other and such other orders as this Honourable Court deem fit to pass in the nature and circumstance of the case._ - _iv) To award the cost of this proceedings to the petitioners._ The question raised in the writ petition is now settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in _EPF Organisation_ v. _Sunil Kumar B_ [2022 SCC OnLine SC 1521] and that the grievance of the petitioner raised in this writ petition will be considered in accordance with the directions therein. 14 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ In the light of the said submission, this writ petition is disposed of directing the competent among the respondents to re-consider the claims put forward by the petitioner in the light of the dictum laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, within a period of nine months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The writ petition is disposed of. _Sd/-_ BASANT BALAJI, JUDGE ss 15 _W.P.(C) No.38725/2023_ ``` APPENDIX OF WP(C)38725/2023 ``` ``` PETITIONER EXHIBITS ``` ``` Exhibit P1TRUE COPY OF THE CIRCULAR BEARING NO PENSION/2022/56259/16541 DATED 20/02/2023 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT ``` ``` Exhibit P2TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 04.11.2022 IN EPFO & ANR. ETC. VS. SUNIL KUMAR B. & ORS., SLP (C) NO. 8658-8659 OF 2019 ``` ``` Exhibit P3TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGEMENT DATED 11/09/2023 IN W.P(C) 17572/2023 OF THE HONOURABLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA ```