SHIVALOK GAS AGENCY Vs. EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned Counsel for the petitioner and learned Counsel for the Employees Provident Fund Organization. However, no one appears on behalf of respondent No.3.

(2.) The present writ petition has been filed by the petitioner challenging the order dtd. 3/12/2012, passed by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Muzaffarpur, contained in letter No.559 dtd. 3/12/2012, whereby the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Muzaffarpur, in exercise of power vested under Sec. 7-A of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (Act No.19 of 1952) has been pleased to order for the coverage of the establishment of the petitioner as well as assessed a liability of Rs.2,15,163.00 payable by the petitioner in respect of the provident fund dues of the Thela Vendor.

(3.) In this case respondent Nos.1 and 2 Employees' Provident Fund Organization and its officials were appeared and filed their counter affidavit. On issuance of notice respondent No.3 has not appeared. Thereafter, this Hon'ble Court has pleased to direct the petitioner for paper publication in local Hindi News Paper, Hindustan, on or before 12/1/2026 for securing the appearance of respondent No.3. The petitioner has published the notice for appearance in the paper publication and filed the cutting of the paper publication through supplementary affidavit in Hindi News Paper, Hindustan, Muzaffarpur, dtd. 9/1/2026, but even then respondent No.3 has failed to appear even after paper publication. Finally after completion of 30 days from the paper publication hearing started on 24/3/2026. Further hearing took place on 2/4/2026 and arguments had been concluded and case was fixed for judgment.