SINGARA ESTATE Vs. REGIONAL PROVIDENT FUND COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed challenging the order of the respondent dated 05.11.2019, wherein and whereby the petitioner was called upon to pay a sum of Rs.3,74,420/- towards interest payable under Section 7Q of EPF and MP Act, 1952 for the relevant period from 04/2018 to 03/2019 (Due months 01/2016 to 01/2019), within a period of 15 days. Consequently, the petitioner seeks for a direction to the respondent to accept the outstanding amount in 12 equal installments.

(2.) The grievance of the petitioner is not against the quantum of interest demanded in the impugned proceedings and on the other hand, it is against the time granted for making such payment. According to the petitioner, a reasonable time should have been granted to make such payment in monthly installments.

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner Company is facing severe problems from the year 2013-14 due to various issues in view of the low productivity of the crops, due to shortage of labour, aged tea plants, unavailability of fertilisers, etc., Therefore, he submitted that it will be difficulty for the petitioner to pay the amount demanded in the impugned proceedings in one lumpsum.