M/S Green Field School v. Asst. Pf Commnr., Epfo, Konjhar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P.(C) No.5352 of 2022 M/s Green Field School ....

Petitioner M/s S. Pattnaik, S. Mishra, Advocates -versusAssistant Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organization, Pabitradiha, Keonjhar.

....

Opposite Party CORAM: JUSTICE S.K. PANIGRAHI

ORDER

14.03.2022 01.

1. The matter is taken up through hybrid mode. Order No.

2. The petitioner has approached this Court challenging the impugned order dated 06.12.2021 passed by the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organization, Keonjhar (opposite party), wherein damages of Rs.8,84,064/- has been imposed on account of delay in depositing P.F. contribution for the period from 01.02.2013 to 31.01.2020 and the petitioner was directed to deposit the aforesaid amount, failing which, action to recover the same shall be taken under Sections 8B to 8G of the EPF and MP Act, 1952.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that against the order dated 06.12.2021 passed by the opposite party in Diary No.58 of 2020, appeal lies and, as such, the petitioner though preferred appeal bearing ATA (P.F. Appeal) No.1 of 2022 before the CGIT-cum-Labour Court, Bhubaneswar-cum-Designated

// 2 // Appellate Authority, but due to non-functioning of the same, the petitioner has approached this Court.

4. In that view of the matter, the writ petition stands disposed of with a direction to the opposite party not to take any coercive action against the petitioner pending adjudication of the appeal preferred by the petitioner before the CGIT-cum-Labour Court, Bhubaneswar-cum-Designated Appellate Authority.

5. Urgent certified copy of this order be granted as per rules. (S.K. Panigrahi) Judge pcd