HC seeks Centre's response on appointment of members in EPFAT

The Delhi High Court today sought the Centre's response on a plea to ensure appointment of presiding officer and staff members in Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal (EPFAT) which was set up in 1997.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw sought reply from Ministry of Labour and Central Provident Fund Commissioner by December 10 on the allegation that there was non-compliance of its 2008 order directing the tribunal to fill up vacant positions.
"Do you have any instruction? We will take up the matter next Wednesday. By that time, you (Centre) should have a clear picture over the issue. Until and unless you don't let us know, we will not close it. Notice issued," it said.

The tribunal was set up in July 1997 to administer a compulsory contributory provident fund scheme, pension scheme and insurance scheme.
The PIL, filed by advocate Rajiv Shukla, President of EPFAT Bar Association, alleged that the tribunal has been deficient in terms of infrastructure and staff since the time it was set up and it needed immediate attention to make it work effectively.
The facilities have been miserable at the tribunal and in 2007 a few shortlisted judicial officers had even refused to accept their appointment, it alleged.
"When the tribunal was shifted to Connaught Place from Nehru Place in 2007, there was a fire incident in its building after which it was declared unsafe by municipal authorities. Because of this, functioning of the tribunal came to a halt for almost 10 months," the plea said.

The advocate further said that on a PIL filed in 2008, the high court had directed that requirement of staff be considered and decision be taken on priority basis, but this order was not complied with.