M/S.Thiashola Estate, v. Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-Ii

ORDER This petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dated

26.03.2026 passed by the Central Government Industrial Tribunal, Chennai in EPFA No.78/2025, seeking to quash the same and direct the Appellate Tribunal to restore the EPFA No.78/2025 to its file and dispose of the appeal on merits.

2.Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side. With the consent of both sides, the Writ Petition is taken up for hearing at the admission stage itself.

¶3It is the case of the petitioner that it is engaged in tea plantations and the manufacture of tea and has complied with statutory obligations. However, due to adverse conditions in the tea industry, including poor yields, declining market prices, rising wage costs and labour unrest, resulting in reduced operations and serious liquidity constrains affecting its financial stability from 2013 onwards. Despite several hardships, the petitioner settled the employees' dues and discharged its statutory liabilities. While so, the present impugned Page2 of 6 order of demand recovery notice was issued by the respondent on 10.02.2025 which was not disputed by the petitioner. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner preferred a statutory appeal before the Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, Chennai, which was taken on file as EPFA No.78 of 2025 and at the time of admission, the Tribunal directed the petitioner to deposit 25% of the assessed amount of Rs.1,21,57,667/- as a condition precedent. Due to acute financial hardship and liquidity constraints, the petitioner was unable to comply with the said condition within the stipulated time, resulting in dismissal of the appeal. Subsequently, the petitioner, with considerable difficulty, arranged funds and remitted a sum of Rs.30,39,417/- on

13.02.2026. Thereafter, the petitioner filed a restoration petition seeking revival of the appeal, however, the same was dismissed on 26.03.2026 on the ground of limitation and delayed compliance. Changeling the said order, the present petition for the aforesaid relief.

¶4The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has not disputed the demand recovery notice dated 10.02.2025 but however due to financial crisis, he is unable to pay the said demand at present and therefore, he seeks permission to pay the amount in 24 instalments and thus, prayed for appropriate orders. Page3 of 6

¶5Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also taking note of the submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court directs the petitioner to pay the amount demanded by the respondent through the impugned recovery notice dated 10.02.2025 in 24 instalments, after adjusting the amount already deposited by the petitioner, and also directed to pay the first instalment on or before 07.05.2026 and the remaining instalments on or before 10th of every month. In case of petitioner fails to pay any one of the instalments, the respondent is at liberty to recover entire amount at once and the orders passed by this Court automatically stand vacated.

¶6With the above directions, the Writ Petition is disposed of. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs. 10-04-2026 Index: Yes/No (2/3) Speaking/Non-speaking order Uma Page4 of 6 To

1.The Central Government Industrial Tribunal, Chennai

2.Regional Provident Fund Commissioner -II, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Regional Office, Dr.Balasundaram Road, Coimbatore-641 018 Page5 of 6 WPoNo.o14193oofo2026 M.DHANDAPANI,oJ. Uma WPoNo.o14193oofo2026oand WMPoNo.15425oofo2026 oo(2/3) 10-04-2026 Page6oofo6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP No.15425 of 2026 M/s.Thiashola Estate Rep. by its Assistant General Manager, A.Soosai Arulappan, Thiashola Post, Kundah Bridge, Coonoor, The Nilgiris-643 230 ..Petitioner Vs Regional Provident Fund Commissioner -II, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Regional Office, Dr.Balasundaram Road, Coimbatore-641 018 ..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for records of impugned order dated 26.03.2026 passed by the Central Government Industrial Tribunal, Chennai in EPFA No.78/2025 to quash the same and direct the Appellate Tribunal to restore the EPFA No.78/2025 to its file and dispose of the appeal on merits. Page1 of 6 For Petitioner: Mr.R.Manoharan For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Vishnu Standing Counsel