Asha Gautam v. Employees Provident Fund Organisation And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-18368-2026 Date of decision: 29.05.2026 Asha Gautam ....Petitioner

Versus

Employees Provident Fund Organisation and others ...Respondents

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR

Present:

Mr. Abhijeet Singh Rawaley, Advocate for the petitioner.

HARPREET SINGH BRAR, J. (ORAL) 1.

The present civil writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing respondents No.1 & 2 to consider and accept joint option submitted by the petitioner and respondent No.3 i.e. Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development & Finance Corporation in accordance with law. Further, directing respondents No.1 & 2 to extend the timeline prescribed in demand notice/letter dated 25.04.2019 (Annexure P-6) on such terms and conditions and also to pay all arrears along with interest @ 18% per annum. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that the petitioner retired from service of respondent No.3 on 30.11.2011 and at the time of retirement, the pension fixed on the basis of wage-ceilings. He further refers to Annexure P-6 and submits that on the basis of the joint option exercised by the petitioner, a demand notice was issued on 25.04.2019. The petitioner is ready and willing to deposit the amount in question along with the up-to-date interest.

NEHA 2026.05.30 15:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh

CWP-18368-2026 -23.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that at this stage, he would be satisfied if the representation (Annexure P-11) of the petitioner is decided by respondent No.2 by passing a speaking order in a time bound manner.

4.

Therefore, in view of the limited prayer made by learned counsel for the petitioner, respondent No.2 is directed to consider the representation (Annexure P-11) of the petitioner and pass a speaking order, after affording her an opportunity to be heard, within a period of 03 months from the date of receiving a certified copy of this order. Further, the decision taken thereof shall be conveyed to the petitioner. Needless to say, if the petitioner is found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted forthwith by respondent No.2. 5.

Disposed of, accordingly.

(HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 29.05.2026 Neha Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No NEHA 2026.05.30 15:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh