Authority

High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur

Order Date

21.07.2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Rice Mill Hamal Reja Sangh, represented by its President Shankar Kumar (age ~65), residing Ward No. 23, Subhash Nagar, Mahasamund, filed W.P. No. 85 of 2022.
  • Respondents: Union of India (through Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Raipur) and Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Sub‑Regional Office, Raipur.
  • Relief Sought: Writs of mandamus/certiorari directing respondents to implement earlier orders dated 28‑09‑1998, 13‑10‑2000, 14‑08‑2000, 13‑09‑2000, 13‑10‑2000, and 17‑06‑2004; to ensure employee dues are paid in a time‑bound manner with interest; to award compensation for loss and hardship; and to award costs of the petition.
  • Background: Under Section 7A of the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner initiated proceedings. The Assistant PF Commissioner determined amounts payable to various workmen (e.g., M/s. Surya Rice Mill – Rs.1,61,062; M/s. Arihant Rice Mill – Rs.77,112; M/s. Chopra Trading – Rs.1,05,564; M/s. Saraswati Trading – Rs.77,112; M/s. M.P. Rice Trading Co. – Rs.1,12,709; M/s. Luniya Traders – Rs.98,510; M/s. Parakh Akshat Udyog – Rs.6,52,010). Employers deposited the assessed sums with the Respondent No. 2, but the amounts had not been disbursed to the employees.
  • Respondents' Argument: The petitioner should approach the authority under Form 19, Paragraph 72 of the EPF Scheme for grievance redressal; the petition should be dismissed.
  • Court's Consideration: Acknowledged that employers have deposited the assessed amounts; noted the procedural mechanism available for claim settlement.

Final Outcome

  • The petition is disposed of.
  • The petitioner is granted liberty to move the appropriate Form‑19 application before the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner for disbursement of the deposited amount.
  • The Commissioner is directed to decide the application expeditiously, preferably within 60 days of filing.
  • No costs are awarded to either side.

Topics

EPF, Labor Law, Court Order