2018 (7) TMI 2206 - SC - Indian Laws

Employees Provident Fund - non-payment of the Provident Fund contribution - non-consideration of non-working days of the employees - non-application of mind - HELD THAT - In the absence of any application of judicial mind to the factual and legal controversy involved in the appeal and without there being any discussion, appreciation, reasoning and categorical findings on the issues and why the findings impugned in the writ petition deserve to be upheld or reversed, while dealing with the arguments of the parties in the light of legal principles applicable to the case, it is difficult for this Court to sustain such order of the Division Bench. The only expression used by the Division Bench in disposing of the appeal is on due consideration . Time and again, this Court has emphasized on the Courts the need to pass reasoned order in every case which must contain the narration of the bare facts of the case of the parties to the lis, the issues arising in the case, the submissions urged by the parties, the legal principles applicable to the issues involved and the reasons in support of the findings on all the issues arising in the case and urged by the learned Counsel for the parties in support of its conclusion. It is really unfortunate that the Division Bench failed to keep in mind these principles while disposing of the writ petition. Case remanded to the Division Bench of the High Court for deciding the writ petition afresh on merits in accordance with law - appeal allowed by way of remand.

Summary

Issues:
- Dismissal of writ petition by High Court without proper consideration of facts and legal arguments

Analysis:
The judgment involves a challenge against the dismissal of a writ petition by the High Court without adequate consideration of the facts and legal arguments presented. The case pertains to a dispute between the Appellant and the Respondent regarding non-payment of Provident Fund contributions. The Appellant issued summons to the Respondent for non-payment of contributions, leading to a series of orders and appeals. The Appellant was directed to deposit a specific amount, and later, the Respondent was ordered to pay damages and allied dues for delayed payments. The Respondent appealed against this order, which was allowed by the Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal. Subsequently, the Appellant filed a writ petition before the High Court, which was dismissed. The Supreme Court, upon hearing the parties, found that the High Court's dismissal lacked proper consideration of the issues and legal arguments. The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of reasoned orders containing factual narration, issues, submissions, legal principles, and reasons for findings. The lack of such considerations led the Supreme Court to set aside the High Court's order and remand the case for a fresh decision on merits in accordance with the law.

The Supreme Court criticized the High Court's cursory dismissal of the writ petition without addressing the issues raised in the case or the arguments presented by the parties. The Division Bench failed to provide reasoning or categorical findings on the issues, which was deemed inadequate by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court highlighted the necessity for judicial minds to apply legal principles and provide detailed reasoning in every case to ensure transparency and fairness. The absence of a thorough analysis in the High Court's order was considered prejudicial to the parties involved, as it did not clarify the basis for the decision. Therefore, the Supreme Court concluded that the case needed to be remanded to the High Court for a fresh consideration of the writ petition on its merits, adhering to the principles of reasoned judgment and legal application.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the High Court's order, and remanded the case for a fresh decision. The Supreme Court refrained from making any observations on the merits of the controversy but directed the High Court to decide the writ petition strictly in accordance with the law. The judgment underscores the importance of providing detailed reasoning and considerations in legal orders to ensure fairness and transparency in the judicial process.