P M JAMES Vs. ACCOUNTANT GENERAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) What is the subscription in terms of the General Provident Fund (Kerala) Rules and what is the subscription which attracts interest are the simple question to be decided in this case. The subscriber to the General Provident Fund is entitled to make subscription in terms of Rule 11. Rule 11 reads as follows:

(2.) The minimum mandatory subscription is not less man 6%'of the emoluments and the maximum is the total emoluments. The term "emoluments" is defined in Rule 2(b) which reads as follows:

(3.) Since emoluments for the purpose of subscription to General Provident Fund includes dearness pay also, the minimum or maximum amount of subscription has to be quantified based on the emoluments which includes dearness pay. The basis of such compensation is not the basic pay but the pay including the dearness allowance. The stand taken in the impugned Ext. P9 order as well as the counter affidavit is that the subscription in excess of basic pay towards contribution is not contemplated and if any such contribution is made the same shall not be treated as subscription so as to enure interest. Learned Government Pleader inviting reference to the counter affidavit submits that emoluments should take only pay, leave salary and allowances as contended by the petitioner. I am afraid the contention cannot be appreciated. In view of the definition of emoluments as appearing at Rule 2(b) the same shall include dearness pay as well. A subscriber to the General Provident Fund is hence entitled to make contribution not exceeding the total emoluments which includes dearness pay, for the purpose of statutory interest. However, if the subscription exceeds such emoluments including pay and dearness allowance, the excess shall not attract interest. I quash Ext.P9. There will be a direction to the first respondent to consider the matter afresh and in case the petitioner has limited the subscription to an amount not exceeding the emoluments as per the position as clarified in the judgment he shall be paid the statutory interest. The needful shall be done within a period of two months from(the date of production of a copy of this judgment by the petitioner.