Kerala HC issues order barring reduction of PF pension

KOCHI: In a petition filed by ex-employees of Travancore Cochin Chemicals alleging that EPFO authorities were trying to prevent them from getting higher PF pension, a single bench ordered that their pension should not be reduced, restricted or stopped without an order from the High Court. The order is applicable only to the petitioners. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan adjourned the plea after two weeks as EPFO officials sought time to file their reply.

The higher pension was available to the petitioners following the order of the High Court earlier. The Regional PF Commissioner had issued guidelines that revision of higher pension in such cases should be done with the approval of the concerned courts. In spite of this, the petitioners approached the High Court against the denial of pension in January.

EPFO officials explained that the pension was delayed due to a technical error. The High Court had then directed that no further action should be taken in this regard. The petitioners pointed out that even after this, the authorities continue to deny the higher pension.