(1.) The petitioners have sought the quashing of the order dated May 5, 1995 passed by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Meerut by which he has held that the provisions of the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Act') will also apply to the trainee employees of the, petitioner-Company and has directed for enrolment of the trainees under the Act.
(2.) On December 12, 2006, notices were issued to the respondents by registered post to engage another counsel fixing January 22, 2007, but till date no counsel has put in appearance on behalf of the respondents and nor has any counsel appeared to oppose the petition even in the revised list.
(3.) It is the submission of Ms. Manisha Ambwani, learned Counsel for the petitioners that 'trainee' employees are not 'employees' under Section 2(f) of the Act and in support of her contention she has placed reliance upon the decision of the Supreme Court in the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Mangalore v. Central Arecanut & Coca Marketing and Processing Co-op. Ltd., Mangalore, 2006 2 SCC 381.