PROF. STANLO JOHNES, S/O. JOHNSON, HONORARY MANAGER, SAMUEL L.M.S. HIGHER, SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHERUVARAKKONAM, PARASSALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Vs. THE REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER, EPFO, REGIONAL OFFICE, BHAVISHYANIDHI BHAVAN, PATTOM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who is the Honorary Manager of a School by name Samuel L.M.S.Higher Secondary School has impugned Ext.P9 order, issued by the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner under the provisions of Sec. 7A of the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"). As per this order, the petitioner's school has been found to be covered by the provisions of the Act and determination has been made as to the amounts to be paid by them under the provisions of the Act.

(2.) The essential claim of the petitioner is that they do not employ more than 10 people in their school so as to bring them under the coverage of the Act. The petitioner, therefore, impugnes Ext.P9 as being wholly without jurisdiction and having been issued in excess of jurisdiction by the competent authority.

(3.) I have heard Sri. R.T. Pradeep, the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents.