KOCHI: High Court has ordered to allow the option of higher PF pension without producing proof of opting to pay a higher PF contribution. Justice AA Ziyad Rehman ordered that the online platform should be changed and if the change could not be made, the option for higher pension should be accepted in paper form.

The single bench's interim order was on a petition filed by retired BSNL employees against the provision under clause 26 (6) of the EPFO scheme to produce proof of option to pay higher PF contribution in order to give option for higher PF pension. The court also directed to prepare facilities for this within ten days. Taking into account that the deadline for granting the higher pension option ends on May 3, the single bench suggested taking urgent action.

The petitioners stated that the employees paid the higher amount without giving the option to pay the higher PF share and the PF officials were instructed to accept the amount without the option. These arguments were accepted by the single bench.