JCT staff move HC for release of PF, ESI dues

A group of employees of JCT Mill, Phagwara, has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the release of long-pending statutory dues, including the Provident Fund (PF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) contributions, which, they claim, remain pending following the alleged illegal closure of the mill two years back.

In a writ petition filed on Thursday, the workers contended that substantial amounts were regularly deducted from their salaries towards the PF and ESI, along with the employer’s statutory share. They submitted that despite these mandatory contributions being deposited and currently lying with the PF Trust, the funds have not been released to the affected employees, leaving hundreds of families in prolonged financial distress since the mill ceased operations.

The matter came up before Justice Kuldeep Tiwari, who, after hearing initial submissions, issued a Notice of Motion to the authorities concerned. The court has sought a detailed explanation from the respondents regarding the continued withholding of statutory dues even after the shutdown of the industrial unit.

The case has been listed for further proceedings on February 4 by which date the respondents are expected to file their replies. The petitioners are being represented by Advocate Karanjot Singh Jhikka and Advocate Meher Nagpal Chauser.