Mentoassociates.com – Legal Articles

In today’s hyperconnected world, reputations are built—and sometimes destroyed—online. A single tweet, Facebook post, or LinkedIn comment can go viral within hours, leading to serious reputational and financial damage. But what does Indian law say about defamation in the digital space?

What Is Cyber/Online Defamation?

Online defamation, also known as cyber defamation, occurs when defamatory content is published on the internet with the intent to harm someone’s reputation. This includes:

• Social media posts
• Blog articles or comments
• WhatsApp forwards
• YouTube videos or comments
• Online reviews

The impact is swift, far-reaching, and often permanent.

Legal Framework in India

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

• The BNS replaces the Indian Penal Code from 1 July 2024.
• Section 356 of BNS corresponds to the old Section 499 IPC and defines criminal defamation, including imputation through words, signs, or visible representations.
• Section 357 replaces IPC Section 500 and prescribes punishment up to 2 years imprisonment, fine, or both for criminal defamation.

2. Information Technology Act, 2000

• Although Section 66A was struck down in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), platforms and intermediaries are still regulated under Section 79, which provides safe harbor if they act promptly on valid takedown requests.

3. Civil Remedies

• Victims may also file civil defamation suits seeking monetary damages and injunctions to restrain or remove defamatory content.

Criminal Prosecution for Online Defamation

Criminal defamation under BNS Sections 356 and 357 remains a powerful remedy for reputational harm—even when it occurs online.

Section 356 BNS – Definition of Defamation

Defamation includes any imputation made by words, signs, or visible representations intended (or likely) to harm a person’s reputation. The ten exceptions from the IPC continue under BNS—truth, public good, fair comment, etc.

Section 357 BNS – Punishment

“Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment up to two years, or with fine, or both.”

How to File a Criminal Complaint

1. File a complaint before a Magistrate.
2. Court examines the complainant’s statement and supporting evidence.
3. If a prima facie case is made out, summons are issued.
4. Trial follows under criminal procedure, with burden of proof on the complainant.

Key Case Law

• Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016): Upheld the constitutionality of criminal defamation, affirming the right to reputation as part of Article 21.
• M. J. Akbar v. Priya Ramani (2021): Recognized truth and public good as valid defenses in sensitive, reputationally charged contexts.

Civil Prosecution for Online Defamation

Civil defamation suits focus on damages and content takedown, offering a vital remedy for both individuals and businesses.

Legal Basis

Civil defamation is a tort—a wrongful act leading to reputational harm. The plaintiff must prove:

• A defamatory statement,
• Publication to third parties,
• Actual or presumed harm to their reputation.

Intent is not essential in civil law; even negligent publication may suffice.

Remedies

1. Injunctions (temporary or permanent) to restrain further publication or remove content.
2. Monetary damages for harm and emotional distress.
3. Mandatory injunctions to compel platforms to take down defamatory content.

Case Law on Mandatory Injunction and Takedown Orders

One of the most impactful decisions in this domain is:

Siddharth Vashisht v. Google India Pvt Ltd & Ors., Delhi High Court, 2022

In this case, the court found that once content is judicially declared defamatory, platforms must:

• Remove not only the specific URLs but also mirror and identical content,
• Proactively prevent re-uploads,
• Act under the “actual knowledge” doctrine, making them liable upon court direction or legal notice.

Filing a Civil Suit

• Civil defamation suits must be filed in the District Civil Court having territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction.
• Karnataka High Court does not have original civil jurisdiction, unlike High Courts in Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
• Plaintiffs in Karnataka must first approach the City Civil Court or District Court, based on where the defendant resides or where the defamatory act occurred.
• A legal notice is often—but not legally—required before filing.
• Courts may grant interim injunctions if urgency and reputational harm are convincingly shown.

Other Important Judgments

• Tata Sons Ltd. v. Greenpeace (2011) – Even satire may be restrained if it damages corporate reputation unfairly.
• Indian Express v. Jagmohan (1985) – Balanced freedom of the press with the right to reputation.

Practical Advice

• Preserve evidence: Screenshots, URLs, and metadata are crucial.
• Act swiftly: Delay can reduce the likelihood of getting interim relief.
• Engage legal help early: Often, a strategic legal notice or mediation can prevent long litigation.

Final Thoughts

Online defamation is no longer a grey area. With clear statutory backing under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act, and strong judicial precedent, victims today have a well-developed legal toolkit. Whether you’re a professional, business owner, or public figure, knowing your remedies can make all the difference in protecting your digital dignity.

Written by Mento Isac, Advocate & Founder – Mento Associates
Advising on digital law, dispute resolution, and corporate litigation across India.

? mentoissac@mentoassociates.com | ? www.mentoassociates.com

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was introduced with the objective of protecting homebuyers and promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the real estate sector. One of its most impactful contributions has been the framework it introduced for dispute resolution.

Why Was RERA’s Dispute Mechanism Needed?

Before RERA, real estate buyers often had no choice but to engage in prolonged and expensive litigation in civil courts or consumer forums. Delays in possession, non-compliance with promises, and unclear grievance mechanisms left many buyers vulnerable.

RERA filled this gap by setting up a dedicated redressal mechanism for quick, sector-specific justice.

The Three-Tier Dispute Resolution Mechanism under RERA

1. Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)

• Acts as the first point of grievance redressal.
• Buyers, promoters, or agents can file complaints for delays in possession, non-adherence to project specifications, false advertisements, etc.
• Proceedings are summary in nature with an aim to deliver justice swiftly.

2. Adjudicating Officer (AO)

• Appointed under Section 71 of the Act.
• Specifically empowered to adjudicate compensation claims relating to delay, interest, or loss due to false information or non-performance.

3. Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (REAT)

• Any party aggrieved by an order of the Authority or AO can appeal here.
• The appeal must be filed within 60 days.
• Further appeals lie with the High Court, but only on substantial questions of law.

  Key Benefits of RERA’s Dispute Resolution Framework

• Speedy Resolution: Unlike traditional courts, RERA is designed to handle cases swiftly.
• Specialized Forum: Sector-specific knowledge ensures nuanced and practical decisions.
• Transparency: All decisions are published on the RERA website, enhancing accountability.
• Buyer-Centric Approach: Empowers homebuyers, often the weaker party in the transaction.

Practical Observations

• Many state RERAs have adopted a digital filing system, making the complaint process easier and more accessible.
• However, implementation varies by state — some RERAs are better staffed and more efficient than others.
• Certain grey areas still exist, especially regarding overlapping jurisdiction with consumer forums and civil courts.

 Final Thoughts

RERA has gone a long way in rebalancing the scales of justice in real estate. Its dispute resolution mechanism is far from perfect, but it’s a step toward restoring the trust of the common man in the homebuying process.

As lawyers, developers, or buyers, understanding the nuances of this system is essential not just for compliance but for upholding ethical standards in the industry.

Let’s hope that with time, resources, and consistent policy support, the RERA dispute redressal framework becomes a model of justice delivery in other sectors too.

The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) marked a transformative shift in India’s legal framework for the recovery of non-performing assets (NPAs). It empowers secured creditors, particularly banks and financial institutions, to enforce security interests without the need for court intervention. However, with great power comes necessary checks and balances. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the dispute resolution mechanisms, litigation process, execution proceedings, and possible challenges under the SARFAESI Act.

 The SARFAESI Framework: Key Provisions

1. Section 13(2): Initiation of recovery proceedings by issuing a demand notice to the borrower.
2. Section 13(4): Empowering the creditor to take possession of the secured asset upon default.
3. Section 17: Right of the borrower or aggrieved person to appeal to the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).
4. Section 18: Right to appeal to the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT).
5. Section 34: Bar on the jurisdiction of civil courts.

 The Borrower’s Right to Challenge

Upon receiving a demand notice under Section 13(2), the borrower has 60 days to repay the dues. If the creditor proceeds under Section 13(4), the borrower or any aggrieved person may file an application under Section 17 before the DRT, challenging the creditor’s action.

Procedure Before the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT)

1. Filing Application:
   1. Application under Section 17 to be filed within 45 days of the creditor’s action.
   2. Must be in the prescribed format with supporting documents.
2. Scrutiny and Admission:
   1. Registry checks for compliance; once admitted, the case is listed for hearing.
3. Notice and Reply:
   1. Notice is issued to the creditor to file a reply. The applicant may file a rejoinder thereafter.
4. Interim Relief:
   1. Interim protection (e.g., stay on possession or auction) may be sought. Granting of such relief is discretionary.
5. Hearing and Final Order:
   1. DRT conducts hearings and passes a reasoned order.
6. Timeline:
   1. The Act envisages disposal within 60 days, extendable to 4 months.

Post-Order Scenario: Appeal and Execution

1. Appeal to DRAT (Section 18):

1. Aggrieved parties may appeal within 30 days.
2. Borrowers must deposit 50% of the debt due (reducible to 25% at DRAT’s discretion).

2. Execution of DRT Orders:

1. The successful party may file an execution application under Section 19(22) of the RDB Act.
2. Recovery Officer executes the order through:
   • Possession of assets
   • Auction
   • Attachment of bank accounts or properties

Challenging Execution Proceedings

Affected parties can challenge execution in the following ways:

1. Objection to Recovery Officer:
   • Grounds: Non-compliance with rules, wrong identification of property, procedural lapses.
2. Appeal to DRT (Rule 11, Second Schedule of IT Act):
   • Objections rejected by the Recovery Officer can be appealed before the DRT.
3. Appeal to DRAT:
   • Orders passed during execution proceedings by DRT can be appealed to DRAT within 30 days.
4. Writ Jurisdiction:
   • High Courts may be approached in rare cases involving jurisdictional errors or gross violations of natural justice.

 Role of Civil Courts

Section 34 of the SARFAESI Act bars civil court jurisdiction in matters where DRT/DRAT is empowered to adjudicate. This ensures a streamlined recovery process but restricts broader equitable remedies.

Emerging Trends and Legal Insights

1. Natural Justice: Courts emphasize fair hearing and procedural compliance.
2. NPA Classification Challenges: Courts usually avoid interference unless there’s clear illegality.
3. Third-Party Interests: Increasing disputes involving tenants and bona fide purchasers.

 Strategic Takeaways

1. For Creditors: Ensure due process and documentation to withstand legal scrutiny.
2. For Borrowers: Act within statutory time limits and consult legal counsel promptly.
3. For Buyers in Auction: Conduct thorough due diligence before purchase.

Conclusion

While the SARFAESI Act provides a creditor-friendly mechanism for asset recovery, it also embeds checks to protect borrower rights. Understanding the litigation lifecycle—from initial creditor action to DRT proceedings, execution, and post-order remedies—is critical for all stakeholders involved in financial and recovery litigation.

By appreciating the detailed procedure and rights at each stage, litigants and advisors can navigate SARFAESI-related disputes with greater clarity and strategic foresight.

Arbitration promises a fair, impartial, and efficient resolution of disputes. But what if one party believes that the appointed arbitrator is biased or unqualified?

The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, as amended by the 2015 and 2019 Amendments, lays down a clear procedure to challenge the appointment of an arbitrator. Here’s a practical guide for legal professionals and businesses alike.

Grounds for Challenge – Section 12(3)

An arbitrator’s appointment can be challenged only if:

• There are justifiable doubts about their independence or impartiality, or
• They lack qualifications agreed upon by the parties.

The Fifth Schedule outlines situations that may raise doubts about impartiality.

The Seventh Schedule lists grounds that render an arbitrator ineligible to be appointed—such as a close relationship with a party or prior legal/business involvement.

Mandatory Disclosure – Section 12(1)

Before appointment, an arbitrator must disclose in writing:

• Any potential conflicts of interest;
• Their ability to complete the arbitration in a timely manner.

Failure to disclose may itself be a ground for challenge.

Challenge Procedure – Section 13

Step 1: File a Written Challenge

• A party must challenge the arbitrator within 15 days of becoming aware of the issue (such as learning about a conflict or the tribunal’s constitution).
• The challenge must include a statement of reasons.

Step 2: Arbitrator’s Decision

• If the arbitrator does not withdraw and the other party disagrees, the tribunal decides on the challenge.

Step 3: If Challenge Fails

• The proceedings continue. The aggrieved party can challenge the final award under Section 34.

De Jure Ineligibility – Section 14

If the arbitrator is disqualified by law (e.g., per the Seventh Schedule), a party can:

Approach the court directly to terminate the mandate—no need to wait for the tribunal’s decision.

Substitution of Arbitrator – Section 15

Once the mandate is terminated, a new arbitrator can be appointed using the original procedure agreed upon by the parties.

Key Case Laws

• TRF Ltd. v. Energo Engg. Projects Ltd.
• Perkins Eastman Architects DPC v. HSCC (India) Ltd.

These judgments have reinforced the importance of impartiality and expanded the grounds for disqualification under the Seventh Schedule.

Conclusion

Challenging an arbitrator is a serious step. While the law protects party autonomy in selecting arbitrators, it equally upholds fairness and neutrality as foundational principles of arbitration. Knowing the procedure can safeguard your interests and ensure confidence in the arbitral process.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) is one of India’s most stringent laws, designed to combat drug abuse and trafficking. While the Act’s objectives are laudable, its harsh penal provisions, strict bail regime, and rigorous procedural requirements demand close scrutiny, especially from legal practitioners and rights advocates.

In this article, we highlight the core provisions dealing with arrest, bail, punishment, and the procedure of search and seizure under the NDPS Act.

Definitions: Cannabis, Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances

A clear understanding of the substances covered by the NDPS Act is foundational:

Cannabis [Section 2(iii)]

Includes:

• Charas: resin or hashish oil.
• Ganja: flowering/fruiting tops (excluding seeds and leaves).
• Any preparations with charas or ganja.

Bhang is excluded unless local state laws specify otherwise.

Narcotic Drugs [Section 2(xiv)]

Includes:

• Opium, morphine, heroin, codeine, cocaine, etc.
• Both natural and synthetic derivatives notified by the government.

Psychotropic Substances [Section 2(xxiii)]

Includes:

• Mind-altering substances like LSD, MDMA, methamphetamine, diazepam, etc.
• Listed in the Schedule notified by the Central Government.

Punishments under the NDPS Act: Quantity Matters

The Act adopts a graded punishment system, based on the type and quantity of the substance:

Quantity	Punishment
Small quantity	Up to 1 year or fine up to ?10,000 or both
More than small but less than commercial	Up to 10 years + fine up to ?1 lakh
Commercial quantity	10–20 years rigorous imprisonment + fine ?1–2 lakh

Common Penal Sections:

• Section 20: Cannabis-related offences
• Section 21: Manufactured drugs (e.g., heroin)
• Section 22: Psychotropic substances
• Section 23: Illegal import/export
• Section 25: Permitting use of premises for offence
• Section 27: Consumption
• Section 27A: Financing illicit traffic and harbouring offenders
• Section 29: Abetment and conspiracy

Section 27A and offences involving commercial quantity attract the heaviest penalties.

What Are Small and Commercial Quantities?

The government notifies specific thresholds. A few examples:

Substance	Small Quantity	Commercial Quantity
Heroin	5 grams	250 grams
Charas	100 grams	1 kg
Ganja	1 kg	20 kg
Cocaine	2 grams	100 grams
LSD	0.1 gram	0.1 gram or more

Quantities in between fall under the intermediate range and invite medium-level punishment.

Search, Seizure, and Arrest: Procedures Must Be Followed

Procedural compliance is the cornerstone of NDPS jurisprudence. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that failure to follow procedure may vitiate the prosecution.

Section 42: Search in Private Premises

• Officers must record information and reasons in writing, especially for night searches.
• Must be forwarded to a superior officer.

Section 43: Search in Public Places

• Applies to public areas (e.g., railway stations, streets).
• Can be done without a warrant.

Section 50: Personal Search

• The accused must be informed of the right to be searched in presence of a Magistrate or Gazetted Officer.
• Mandatory compliance – non-observance is grounds for acquittal (Tofan Singh v. State of Tamil Nadu).

Section 52: Arrest

• Grounds of arrest must be disclosed.
• The accused and articles seized must be produced promptly before the Magistrate.

Section 57: Reporting

• Arrest and seizure must be reported to the superior within 48 hours.

Courts have held that procedural lapses, especially under Sections 42, 50, and 57, can invalidate the case against the accused.

Bail Under NDPS: A Steep Road

The NDPS Act’s bail provisions, particularly under Section 37, are among the strictest in Indian law, especially for offences involving commercial quantity or under Section 27A.

To grant bail, the court must be satisfied:

1. The accused is not guilty, and
2. The accused is not likely to commit another offence while on bail.

This effectively reverses the presumption of innocence.

Offence	Bailable?	Cognizable?
Small quantity possession (Sec 20, 21, 22)	Yes	? Yes
Commercial quantity or 27A offences	No	? Yes
Consumption (Sec 27)	Yes	? Yes
Abetment/conspiracy (Sec 29)	Depends on main offence	? Yes

Conclusion

The NDPS Act serves an essential function in addressing drug-related offences, but it must operate within the framework of due process and constitutional safeguards. Given the harsh punishments, the non-bailable nature of offences, and the shift in burden of proof, even a minor procedural lapse can become a decisive legal battleground.

As legal professionals, our role is to ensure that:

• Accused individuals are not unjustly deprived of liberty.
• Procedural safeguards are strictly enforced.
• The distinction between drug traffickers and addicts is not blurred.

If you’re a legal practitioner, policymaker, or law student, your views and experiences on navigating NDPS cases—especially relating to bail and procedural compliance—are most welcome. Let’s keep the conversation alive and nuanced.

In recent years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has become a prominent enforcement body in India’s fight against economic crime. With growing public attention on money laundering cases and high-profile arrests, it’s important for legal professionals and the public alike to understand the ED’s structure, jurisdiction, and powers — as well as the safeguards that ensure accountability.

1. What is the Enforcement Directorate?

The ED is a specialised financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It was originally formed in 1956 to deal with violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1947.

Today, its main functions stem from two laws:

• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 – Civil law focused on foreign exchange violations.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 – Criminal law targeting money laundering and financial crimes.

2. What Triggers ED Jurisdiction?

The ED does not act suo motu. It starts investigation only when a predicate offence — known as a Scheduled Offence — is reported.

Sources of case referrals to the ED include:

• FIR or charge sheet by agencies like CBI, State Police, Income Tax Department, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
• Court directives (High Court, Supreme Court) asking ED to investigate.
• Inputs from regulatory or intelligence bodies like FIU-IND, DRI, RBI, or even foreign enforcement agencies.
• Reference from the Central Government, especially the Ministry of Finance.

After assessing such material, the ED may register an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) — the internal equivalent of an FIR.

3. What are Scheduled Offences under PMLA?

Scheduled offences are the underlying crimes that give rise to proceeds of crime and trigger the ED’s powers under PMLA. They are listed in the Schedule to the Act and divided into three parts:

• Part A: Includes serious offences under IPC, NDPS Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, Arms Act, etc. No monetary threshold required.
• Part B: Applies only if the total value involved is ?1 crore or more. Covers select economic offences.
• Part C: Covers transnational and cross-border crimes.

Without a scheduled offence, the ED cannot initiate a PMLA case.

4. ED’s Powers of Investigation

Under PMLA, the ED can:

• Conduct search and seizure operations
• Provisionally attach property suspected to be proceeds of crime
• Summon individuals for evidence under Section 50
• Arrest persons involved in money laundering
• File prosecution complaints before Special PMLA Courts

The ED must place its findings before the Adjudicating Authority and Special Courts established under the Act.

5. Arrest and Bail Under PMLA

Arrest:

Under Section 19 of the PMLA, the ED may arrest a person if there is material evidence and “reason to believe” the person is guilty. The grounds of arrest must be recorded in writing and the individual must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

Bail:

Bail under PMLA is governed by Section 45, which imposes a stricter test:

• The Public Prosecutor must be given a chance to oppose bail.
• If opposed, the court must be satisfied that:
  • The accused is not guilty, and
  • The accused is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.

These are called the “twin conditions” for bail and make release more difficult. However, exceptions apply to minors, women, the infirm, and cases involving less than ?1 crore.

Anticipatory Bail:

While Section 45 of the PMLA applies to regular bail, anticipatory bail (under Section 438 of the CrPC) is not explicitly barred. However, courts exercise great caution in granting it in PMLA cases due to the serious nature of offences. The Supreme Court and several High Courts have held that anticipatory bail is not entirely prohibited but subject to the twin conditions under Section 45.

An anticipatory bail application must be made before a Sessions Court or High Court, and the court may impose stringent conditions such as:

• Depositing passport
• Regular attendance before ED
• Not tampering with evidence

The scope of anticipatory bail remains a contested and evolving area in PMLA jurisprudence.

6. Legal Controversies and Safeguards

Although the ED is a powerful agency, its working has drawn criticism for:

• Non-disclosure of ECIRs to the accused
• Low conviction rates under PMLA
• Allegations of political misuse

In Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India (2022), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of ED powers, including arrest and attachment. However, courts are increasingly scrutinising ED’s actions to ensure procedural fairness.

7. Conclusion: Need for Balance

The Enforcement Directorate plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of India’s financial system and addressing economic crimes. However, its functioning must be balanced with the principles of natural justice, due process, and judicial oversight.

For lawyers and policymakers, it is vital to ensure that India remains tough on crime — but even tougher on protecting constitutional rights.

INTRODUCTION: The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) was established with the objective of safeguarding the financial welfare of employees in both the private and public sectors. It functions as a long-term savings mechanism, accumulating contributions throughout an employee’s tenure with an organization. The primary purpose of the EPF is to manage and secure retirement benefits for employees by ensuring a steady source of income after their service ends. The scheme is governed by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. To remain compliant with EPF regulations, employers must adhere to a range of statutory requirements and due diligence measures. Failure to comply may attract penalties, as outlined in the following sections.

1. False Statements to Avoid EPF Payments- [Section 14(1)]: If any person knowingly makes a false statement to avoid EPF payments he is liable to punishment of jail up to 1 year, or fine up to ?5,000, or both

2. Default in Depositing EPF Contributions- [Section 14(1A)]: If an employer fails to deposit employee contributions deducted from salaries, or pay administrative/inspection charges, he is liable to minimum 1 year imprisonment + ?10,000 fine, if employees’ deducted contributions are not deposited or minimum 6 months imprisonment + ?5,000 fine in other cases. Courts can reduce the jail term for valid and recorded special reasons.

3. Default in Insurance Fund or Inspection Charges – [Section 14(1B)]: On failure to pay insurance-related contributions or inspection charges, punishment includes jail from   6 months to 1 year and fine up to ?5,000. Court may reduce jail term with valid justification.

4. Other Violations Under EPF/Pension/Insurance Scheme – [Section 14(2)]: For any other non-compliance punishment is jail up to 1 year fine up to ?4,000 or both.

5. Breach of Exemption Conditions – [Section 14(2A)] : If an employer violates conditions of exemption granted under section 17, the punishment will be jail from 1 to 6 months and fine up to ?5,000

6. Offences Committed by Companies- [Section 14A]: When a company violates EPF laws, every person responsible for running the company (directors, managers, etc.) may be held liable. They can escape liability only if they prove lack of knowledge or due diligence. If the offence happened due to the consent or neglect of a specific officer, they will be held responsible.

7. Repeat Offenders – [Section 14AA]: If an individual or company repeats the same offence after a conviction, then the punishment will be jail for 2 to 5 years and fine of ?25,000

8. Cognizable Offence – [Section 14AB]: Failure to pay EPF contributions is treated as a cognizable offence, meaning the police can arrest without a warrant.

9. Legal Procedure for Prosecution – [Section 14AC]: – Legal action can begin only with a written report by an EPF Inspector, with prior approval from the Central PF Commissioner or an authorised officer. Only courts with the rank of Presidency Magistrate or First-Class Magistrate can try EPF offences.

10. Recovery of Penalty – Damages – [Section 14B]: For default in payments, the EPF Commissioner can impose penalty damages (up to the amount of arrears).Employers will be given a fair chance to be heard. In case of sick companies under rehabilitation, damages can be waived or reduced.

11. Court-Ordered Payment Deadlines – [Section 14C]: If convicted, courts can direct employers to make the payment or transfer the pending amount within a time limit. If not complied with, it will be treated as a new offence, punishable under Section 14. An additional fine of ?100 per day can also be imposed for continued delay.

CONCLUSION:

The EPF Act imposes strict penalties for employers who fail to meet their legal responsibilities. Non-compliance—whether by delay, default, or dishonesty—can attract serious consequences, including imprisonment and financial penalties. Employers are advised to ensure timely contributions, maintain proper records, and follow due process to stay compliant and avoid legal trouble.