TAMIL NADU THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vs. ASSISTANT PF COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order dated 21.12.2018 passed by the Central Government Industrial Tribunal cum Labour Court, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, made in EPF.A.No.373 of 2018.

(2.) It is the case of the petitioner that for delayed payment of EPF contribution, the respondent initiated legal action against the petitioner under Section 14B of the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. By order dated 17.03.2017, the petitioner was directed to pay a sum of Rs.8,82,353/- as damages to the respondent under Section 14B of the Act. Aggrieved by the order dated 17.03.2017 passed by the respondent, the petitioner preferred an appeal initially before the Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal, Bengaluru in A/TN/70/2017. The Tribunal by its order dated 16.05.2017 granted interim stay of the operation of the order dated 17.03.2017 passed by the respondent. Thereafter, the appeal was transferred to the Central Government Industrial Tribunal cum Labour Court, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After the appeal was transferred to the Central Government Industrial Tribunal cum Labour Court, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the said tribunal also extended the interim order dated 16.05.2017, until further orders on 20.12.2018. However, on the very next day, on 21.12.2018, the impugned order was passed directing the petitioner to deposit 30% of the demand made by the respondent, as per their demand order dated 17.03.2017, on or before 18.01.2019. Aggrieved by the order dated 21.12.2018 passed by the Central Government Industrial Tribunal cum Labour Court, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the instant writ petition has been filed.

(3.) Heard Mr.K.Hemakarthikeyan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.N.Mural Shankar, learned Standing counsel appearing for the respondent.