EPF Full pension option Legal Case update : Clarification on 26(6) approval

Today (10th April 23) further detailed arguments held at Hon’ble High Court, Kerala on the writ petitions filed by Shri Saheer &, Ors, AIGETOA Vs GOI, EPFO & BSNL on the need of 26(6) approval alongwith the online enhanced pension option processor. The heated arguments lasted about 1hr 20 minutes where Sr. Counsels from employees side (represented by Shri Saheer & Ors, AIGETOA & Ors ) and EPFO side were present. Our advocates placed all the relevant documents and the deliberations gone through all the nitty gritty part of HonSC Judgement dated 4/11/22, RC Gupta judgement, Sasikumar Judgement etc . Our legal team had placed various circulars from EPFO and strong arguments in support of employees due rights. The point matter on Unexempted organizations ( BSNL ) also referred specifically.

Hon’ble Bench (this was the 4th sitting on the matter) was very much concerned about the employees right to submit the options and made comments against on EPFOs stand on 26(6) approval submission.After strong arguments from our counsels Hon’ble Bench posted the case for orders on 12/04/2023. Final concluding remarks to EPFO was that they can submit suggestion if any on positive side , so that how to allow employees to submit the option under 11(4) without obstructions. Let’s hope for the positive outcome. AIGETOA and its team is a firm believer in appropriate action at the appropriate point of time and accordingly, we went through the actual process to be followed through legal way.