/

. ,·

I

Employees Provident Fund Organisation Ministry of Labour& Employment Govt of India (-w:J ~ -i!GPII'< ~. ~ ~)

Regional Office, Kolhapur ~ qjil!fo:Fll, cb~("61~

238/6 ~ ~ cii-<i~I~ ~. cbl<:'519,'< 416 003

tf>Ff .:r. 0231. 2653216 2652334 2655652 ~ .:r. 0231. 2663309

No. MH/PF/RO/KOL/Legal/2017-18/ / o 2 Date :- 18/08/2017

NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR EMPANELMENT OF ADVOCATES

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFOJ on behalf of the Central Board, Employeeso Provident Funds, a statutory body of the Ministry of Labour & Employment. Government of India, Proposes to engage Panel Counsel(s) to represent the Central Board, EPF before Supreme Court of India, Delhi, High Court Mumbai, Central Government Industrial Tribunal (CGITJ, CAT, DCDRF. SCDRC, and Lower Courts in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg Districts.

The practicing abvocates who are registered with Bar Council of India/State Bar Council are eligible for empanelment. The qualification, experience, schedule of fees, other terms and conditions and the application, experience, schedule of fees, other terms and conditions and the application format in which the application has to be made, have been prescribed.

The advocates who are on the existing panel of EPFO shall cease to be on the panel of EPFO after new panel is finalized against this notice. Therefore, they may also apply afresh in response to this notice.

Eligible practicing advocate must submit application in the format prescribed in in Annexure "A" and Annexure "B" enclosed herewith, along with all supporting documents in a sealed envelope to:-

Regional Provident Fund commissioner-I Employees Provident Fund Organisation ,

Bhavishya Nidhi Bhavan, 238/6, Tarabai Park, Kolhapur-416 003.

Telephone:-0231-2653216 2652334 2655652

The envelope should be superscribed as following :-

"Application for Empanelment of Advocate for supreme Court New Delhi/High Court Mumbai/CGIT Mumbai. CAT, DCDRF, SCDRC and Lower Courts in respective Districts .

The last date of receiving Applications in the prescribed format along with supporting documents is 28/08/2017 till 16.00 hours.

Application for empanelment at EPFO does not confer any right/assurance whatsoever, to an applicant that he/she will be empanelled on the panel of EPFO letter to advocates confirming their empanelment will be issued by EPFO separately. The applications should be made by the applicants those who are residing at respective Court Areas. ·

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GUIDELINES FOR EMPANELMENT OF ADVOCATES

Following guidelines are designed to provide and regulate the manner and procedure for empanelling the advocates to represent and assist EPFO before various courts and for regulating the referrals of the cases and payment of fee/remuneration. These guidelines shall supersede all existing instructions in this regard, if any and is subject to change without assigning any reason.

1.. Eligibility of Empanelment:

Before filling the application form, the candidates are advised to carefully read and follow the eligibility criteria, instructions and terms & conditions for empanelment of Advocates in EPFO mentioned herein below:-

{a) QuaUfication and experience for conducting cases in High Court of Karnataka.

I) Be enrolled/ registered as an advocate with the State Bar Council.

ii) Have a minimum, relevant experience of Ten years of handling Civil, Service, Labour, Arbitration matters and other cases before a High Court with a fair knowledge of labour laws with special reference to Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952 (E.P.F and M.P.Act. 1952).

(b) Qualification and experience/or conducting cases in CGIT1 Bangalore.

i) Be enrolled/ registered as an advocate with the State Bar Council.

ii) Have a minimum, relevant experience of Ten years of handling Civil, Criminal, Service, Labour, Arbitration matters and other cases with a fair knowledge of labour laws with special reference to Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952 (E.P.F and M.P.Act. 1952).

(c) Qualification and experience for conducting cases in State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, District Courts, Lower Courts and Consumer fora.

i) Be enrolled/ registered as an advocate with the State Bar Council.

ii} Have a minimum, re levant experience of Ten years of handling Civil, Criminal, Service, Labour, Arbitration matters and other cases with a fair knowledge of labour laws with special reference to Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952

, ·(E.P.F and M.P.Act. 1952) .

2. Tenure of Empanelment:

The initial empane!ment wm be for the period of t\.&Jo years Le. -for the period

01.04.2017 to 31.03.2019. Performance of empanelled advocates shall be reviewed at regular interval for continuance in the panel of Advocate.

3. Payment of Fee and other conditions:

i) The fee payable to the Advocates shall be governed by the Schedule of fee annexed as Annexure 11

~1 with these guidellnes as amended from time to time . .

ii) The Competent Authority shall have the right in exceptional cases to approve the payment of a higher fee than the fee mentioned in the annexed schedule keeping in view the importance of the matter and the efforts put in by the advocate in a particular case.

iii) No retainer fee shall be paid to any panel Advocate merely because such advocate has been empanelled.

4. Procedure for Empanelment:

a. The applicant advocate mLJst apply on the format prescribed by the EPFO only. No other format will be entertained.

b. An applicant advocate willing to be empanelled for more than one forum (i.e., for Karnataka High Court, CGJT, DCDRF, SCDRC, District Courts, Lower Courts or Consumer Fora) may apply separately for each forum in separate envelope superscribed as mentioned earlier.

c. Any application received after the last date prescribed in the advertisement shall not be entertained.

d. No applicant advocate shall be called for interview/interaction unless he/she satisfies the eligibility conditions and is shortlisted for the same.

e. Depending upon the requirement and number of applications received, EPFO reserves the ·right to shortlist the candidates to be called for interview/interaction and to be empanelled.

f. Merely fulfilling the eligibi lity criteria will not confer any right on an applicant advocate to be called for interview/interaction and to be selected.

g. The decision of the competent authority regarding short listing and selection of the candidates shall be final.

h. Canvassing in any form shall be treated as a disqualification . The candidature of such applicants shall be cancelled forthwith.

i. A list of shortlisted applicant advocates with the date, t ime and venoe of Interview will be l uploaded on our website i.e. www.epfindia.gov.in

J. The applicant advocate shall bring original documents at the time of interview.

-. k.The list of seiected advocates wili be made availabie on EPFO website www.epfindia.gov.in

Letter · to applicant advocates confirming their empanelment will be issued by EPFO separately.

5. Duties of the Empanelled Advocates:

1.The Advocate shall not advise any party or accept any case against the EPFO in which he/she has appeared or is likely to be called upon-to appear for or advise which is likely to affect or lead to litigation against the EPfO.

2. Timely appearance of the Counsel to contest the cases for EPFO in the Court is a must. His/her absence in the Court, without any reasonable ground and notice in advance, will not be accepted.

3. EPFO sends the information to the panel advocates through email regard ing entrustment of a c~se and after receiving the e-mail. It is duty of the panel Advocates to collect the brief/copy of petition along with assignment letter from the concerned office of EPFO at the earliest.

4. EPFO is free to engage any advocate of its own choice and an empanelled Advocate shall make no claim that he/she alo11e should be entrusted with EPFO's legal matter(s).

5. Refusal by any advocate to accept any work without any reasonable cause (e.g. on grounds of conflict of interest) may entail removal of such advocate from the panel, forthwith without waiting for the empanelment period to expire.

6. The advocates shall accept the terms and conditions of the empanelment as determined by the EPFO from t ime to time.

7. In order to ensure that there is effective check on the cases being conducted, the Advocates on the panel must report the status of the cases after each date of hearing. Failure to submit status report will be a ground for removal of the name of the lawyer concerned from the panel.

8. In cases where on the request of the Union of India, Ministry of Labour & Employment have also to be represented, no extra fee shall be paid to the advocate to watch and safeguard the interests of Union of India, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

9. If required, render all assistance to Special or Senior Counsel engaged in a particular case before the Supreme Court, High Court and other Judicial bodies.

10. Keep EPFO informed and updated on all-important developments in the designated cases, dates of hearing, order of the court on the date of its pronouncement, supplying copy of orders/judgment etc .

. 11. Furnish monthly statement about the cases represented by him/ her before the High .. ' Court/CGIT or any other authority and their outcomes.

12. When any case attended by him/her is decided against the Organisation, the Advocate concerned must give considered opinion regarding the reasons for such adverse order the advisability of filing an appeal from such a decision not later than 5 working days of the order (kuchha copy} .

... _ """ft' r -., .r ~ ~- --~···-L •- .. _ .... 1. _ .,. _ _ -···- ·- · -·-- ·· L - ...J _ .Jl ~- --- - J t r.&..1-- -- .....L'!.~? -..1 - - - - ~ - C &.L .

6. Removal from panel :

EPFO reserves the right to terminate the empanelment of a Counsel with one month's notice in writing wighout assigning any reason. The counsel may also resign from the Organization by serving one month's notice.

Empanelment shall be liable to be cancelled due to occurring of any of the following disablements on the part of the Advocate.

(i)Giving false information in the application for empanelment:

(ii)Failing to attend the hearing of the case without any sufficient reason and/or prior information:

(iii)Not acting as per EPFO's instructions or going against specific instructions:

(iV)Threatening, intimaidating or abusing any of the EPFO's employees, officers or representatives:

(v)Passing on information relating to EPFO's case on to the opposite parties or their advocates or any third party which is likely to cause any damage to the EPFO's interests.

(vi)Giving false or misleading information to the EPFO relating to the proceedings of the case: and

(vii)Seeking frequent adjournments or not objecting the adjournment moved by other party without sufficient reason

(viii) Frequent absence from the court proceedings even if "pass over" or 'Proxy" is obtained by an advocate.

~ (M. D. Patgaonkar)

Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner(Legal) Regional Office, Kolhapur.

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APPLICATION NO ____ _ _ (To befi,led by EPFO)

APPLICATION FORM FOR EMPANELMENT IN EPFO

(TO BE FILLED IN BYAII_APPLICANTADVOCATES}

To, Office of the Additional Central PF Commissioner, Bhavishya Nidhi Enclave, 'Kaveri', HMT Main Road, Jalahalli, Bengaluru - 560013.

r---'-

Name (in Block letter)

Father's name:

Court for which applied CHECKLIST

list of documents attached (please tick) Copy of all certificates & mark .... sheets {Xth onwards)

Experience Certificate

• Dully flied Annexure-A & R Others (Please specify}: 1.

2.

---- -"

PERSONAL DETAILS (IN Block letters) 1. Name

2. Father's/Husband's Name

3. · Date of Birth

4. Age on (last date of receipt of

application) - .• .•

5. _ Nationality

6. Marital status

7 Address for correspondence with PIN

and Phone No.

8 Permanent Address with PIN and Phone No.

9 Address of Office/Chamber, if any, with PIN and_Ph_one No.

-- ·----·~~. ,_,_ . ---' ....

10. Email ID 11 Are you related to any EPFO

employee? If so please g1ve details (viz. &.• - - ·- "' - ,.,.. !' _ -:1 ...... .__ - ~ •. · .. - ·~1. n

..

ANNEXURE A

.

I I i

--- I

.1

12. Details of Educational qualification (Commencing with the Matriculation or equivalent examination) Examinations Name of the Class or 1st % of s.ubject Year of passed Board/University division Marks passing 10th/

I Matriculation

1i11/ I Intermediate

"Graduation LLB/Law Graduate Degree

Post Graduation Other Professional Qualification

13. whether the applicant is currently on the Panel of any other Government Department/PSU/Statutory Body/Autonomous Body etc., and if yes, the details below (Self-certified copy of the Office Order/letter of empanelment may be attached. Name of the From To Oepartment/PSU/Statutory Body/ Autonomous Body 1 2

14. whether the applicant has worked as Legal Researcher (LR) attached to any Court/Judge? If yes, the details and the supporting documents: Name of Court/Judge Period of Research Supporting documents 1 2

15. if one or more advocates are associated as juniors of the applicant, their details be provided below: SI.No Name ofthe advocate Enrolment no. with date 1

16. infrastructural facilities with the applicant (please t ick if available} be provided below:

I SI.No I Office Space J Office Clerk I Steno/Typist l Support staff

,---~------ ---------------'-----__:_-..;....· •w:=...~ ~· 5;;:;:~-:....· ·'----·--·--·,

17. No. of cases relating to EPF & MP Act 1952, if handled earlier:-

.-------···---SI. No. Title of case (Documentary proof must be attached}

18. Whether the applicant has been engaged {through Vakalatnama) as counsel in any landmark or mother case? If yes, the particulars of the case with copy of the judgement wherein his/her name Is recorded as advocate for one of the parties (Copy of order/ judgement be attached as proof):-

Name of the Court Case title Nature of Judgement

........... ~

19. Whether Income Tax return is being filed for last five years? Yes/No (If Yes, please attach copies of ITRs).

20. Details of Bank Account/ Aadhar Number be provided below:-Bank Account details (Bank PAN Number Aadhar Number

Name, Account No., Address of the Branch and

IFSC Code)

- ·

21. Whether any proceeding has ever been commenced or is continuing before the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar Council for alleged professional misconduct:-

SI. No. Details of allegations and Findings made by the Disciplinary proceedings Committee

1. 2.

..

22. Whether any criminal complalnt has even been filed or FIR registered or any criminal proceeding has ever commenced against the applicant advocate:-

SI. No. Details of allegations and Findings made by the Court proceedings

1. 2.

23. Any additional professional qualificatlon(s), which will further the candidature, including membership of professional societies, awards and honours etc. may be

1 listed in the box below {Documentary· proofs may be attached):

r---;;;::::::=-. __ :_________________________________ I

UNDERTAKING

1) I hereby confirm and declare that the information furnished in the application and in the attached Certificate is true/correct and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have not concealed any relevant information. I am fully aware that if any of the information furnished by me is found to be false/ incorrect, my candidature for the empanelment will be treated as cancelled and matter will be referred to the appropriate authority. 2) I also undertake to maintain absolute secrecy about the cases of the EPFO as required under the Act, Rules and Regulations thereunder. 3) I also undertake to return all cases filed and records to the EPFO as and when required by EPFO. 4) I agree with the Fee Schedule notified by EPFO.

Place:

Date: Signature of Advocate

Enrolment Number Mobile Number

----------------------------------···--

"

APPLICATION NO.------------ {To be filled by EPFO)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHEET

ANNEXURE-8

(To be filled in by existing Panel advocates, applying for fresh empanelment}

1. Name of the Panel Advocate :

2. Empanelled for SC/HC/EPFAT, Bengaluru:

3. Duration in the Panel

4. Total No. of cases allotted

5. No. of cases Decided

In favour case title Against

1 2

6. No. of cases pending

7. Details of oldest pending with the Advocate:

8. Special achievement, if any

9. Remarks of applicant advocate, if any:

Remanded back

(Signature and Name of the applicant)

Place: Date:

, ·

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\oirq !lei" n1l'm >m1'!1l. \iln' ~ ;

fMPi.O't'ffS' PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION (Min1stiy Of Labour & E'Tlployt'leflt, Go,tt_ cl !r,dt.a)

~ ~c I Head Office ~ ~ ~. 14· ~ lF.?r. G'!l!, ~ ~ -l li) .cu,

Bt>.avlshva IMhi Bhawan. 14, 9hikat.ii U1TI1 ?11.:.-e, N~111 '::lc!!'li - no 066. /v No. LC-4( 1)2016/ /'ll.11) Dated: 25.01.2017

/(~"' 2 5 JAN ?017 OFFICE URCUI.AR

SybjecJ: Re,ision of fee pay~ble to advocates on the p.inel of the Central .Board/EPFO and l)ther legal practitioners who may be engaged- regarding.

-nie undersigned fa direcrcd to convey the approval of competent

authority on revision o:C th<1 structure of fee in relation to p;µiel advocates and variol.1£ categon'es 0f legal practitioners eng~ged by the CcMrnl Bo~EPFO. The revi~ rates ail:' laid down in four tables -A,. B, C and D - con · ned in the in.,t:.-tnt circular.

The fee stn1cture applicable to a legal practitionel' . engaged in connection ~ith litigation in the Supreme Court -µ.,jll be at the nrtes revised as un:der.-

Tahle -A

Bl. r Item of Work 'No.

Fee _f ~r legal 1j pracuuoner I

:1. II All Regular Appeals and

Petitions for final

(in Rs.) . I

Rs.9,0QO/. pt>r ; ca-se: per day ·

II All .<lefended Writ heanng \

•---+---------------........ ' -----,--------1 :2. · lill dcfrndcd Admission matters I Rs.4.50C/- per l i__.___. __________________ ' -··----

Page 1 rf.11

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r= ! (SLP! TP~'\vP/e:c) 1· ~-3.'le per day l 13. Setttng o! Pleadmgs - l lr-4-. ~·-A:--p-p~~~-ara-nt-.::e-in~ Mi·-".:::-.s-ce-=-U::..-a-ne-.o-u-s-.~-p-p...,.,li-ca_t.,...io-n·.s--+-

1 -._-----·1

I ·----~----~~~-- ---.....------~ 15. I Conference t

I 16. i-Ot.lt ofl--Iea-dq_u_a_n_e-r -----· i llli.9)000/ - dail}r,

1 1

fee for tlie clays !

I! Q[ his ib~ence I

i from HQ . f1. : Conveyance ch-;rges for petfom:ung local R .1500/-- -·-1 , 1 i l joumcyv.nile outside Headquarter ~~- . --~----,--~---. iS. I Gerkage ' Nil

n -br~ILing siJ5/(~mnter Af idavit/ R.ej indcr Rs.3000/- per l 1 I l r case t

110. · Drafting W'rfrten Submission I Rs.3000/- per '.

~l. • Drafting or Appearance in Miscellan~:t :.:0::0/- per I : '. Applic:tions . (including mentioning of the l Clise I j ca.se/ Caveat/ Oear.mcc/ o btal.Illilg the I 1

LJ~er and tiling~ f~r hearing) ~_j_ ____ _j

Nc.m~:- .Advoca1 of good repute and mo.re than 20 years experience 111.ay also

be engaged at the rates applicable to Group 'A P-.md Gmrtsel in MinLc:;uy of

f_:aw mdj\JStic.c Cm:uliu;dated 01.10.201:5! reproduced as belpw:-

!SL ·11u:xn of Work-- Fee for leg.1i '. JNo. r practitioner i (in R.~.) l j -~-·-------------~-~· j 1.

1 All Regular A.ppeals Rs. l3,SC0/- per

1

I I and c<lSe per (;i,ay i I All defended Writ Petit1c.1ns for fioal i I

t' ,,ge 7 ot l

0.

l •

r---rhearing

12. I AJl ·. def ~~ded . Admission matte~ fu .. 9 ,000/- per i I (SI..P/TP/\VP/et<;,~ case per day '.3. l Settling ofP~le_a_,d..,..in-gs----------+-J -Rs-.-.-5,-25-0......,/ =--. -p-e--;r !

I l c~e 4. ! .Appearance in Miscellaneous Applications i ~ nference

I

I Rs. 41500/ - per ·

I case

I I I Rs.900(-

ca.~e per

16. ' Out of Headquaner ! Rs.13,500/ -. .

' daily fee for the 1

d::iys of h.i.s

~ ---~ ----,---,,-----::,------,.-.,.......-~~~~-cn_c_e-,---fr_o_rn~ 7. I ~nveyanc~ chai~es for perlonning local Rs.150S/-

-. - -t-Joumeywhile oucs1de Headquarter--· -k, ___ __, j8. r. Gerkae:e i N't.1 ' : I "' l i ~D~ting SLP T~umer Affi<lavitl~joinder ~1-··-·-· .... 10. Drafting Writ.ten Submission _

1 L I D~fting or Appearance in 1vfucellaneous i - - -! Applications (including mentioning of the I

i case/ Caveat/ Cc:a..~ce/ obtiUning the j

, number and taki:r.g date for hearing) : '

All other terms and conditioru applicable to Panel Q)Unsels in the pre-revised OM

bearing number No.21 (04)1999-Judl dated 24.09.1999 read ,_..;th 0Jv1 bearing number

No21{05}201f:.Judl dated 01.10.2011 issu..-:d by the :Mini.t:itryof law and Ju~cicc shall

continue to remain applicable.

Pag-e 3 of 11

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B. tligh O)urt, EPFA1, CAT-Land NCDRC:·

The fee stnicture applicable to Panel C .. ounsels. i\ssistant Solicitors General of various High Cc.runs, Central Government Standing CnunseL Senior Central Government Standing C.Ounsel (Sr.CGSq engaged in connection ·with litigation in ail High C.:oura~ EPFAT, CAT, and NCDRC are revised as per the follo~ing rates:~

, S.No:-Item of work Tite,iiiied fee l

··1 --- --rsufr~. · \'frit Petitii:-ms and Appeals,lRc,. 91000/- pertase pex--:i,1y;

I t::ng t:''1£;;;1'.!~:,~or [:"~~ 1 j :::rr:c~f:e't!J;!(c~e I i ~tttitio.ns ... and. _ ~:vision , ~etitio1

0

\S ! 1,SO?I- pt~r d~y S\~br:cr to j , rndudmg ~pectaI c1.vil apphcatlOns m ! maxunurn of :> hcanngs. I I High ~l.H13 I 1

I I

1

-2-1 AppliLation for h~vc IO Appeal tO .I R5. 3,oo6l-·pe;casc f Suprem.e O>mt i:n -~rrit Petitions- -

: 3 I [ Rs. 3.000/- per ca.st

l

'

.1· Draftirtg orSettling pleadings. and

. AHid;1vis (per pleadings) l ' I t

~~--···-··r-K11s(eila.-ieous·-A-· --,.li-c-ar..,..t-)I-l---===--_i Rs.·}.OOO~r case ______ _. ! 5 Cbnierence I Rs 900/- pe ·confo::en;:;e mbie<.T \ I ; to rhf:-folfowi.ng timiti.t.tons:· :

i

i I . ,_, ____ ""--l...-.,- ---

6) In respect of for-settling· plearlings- Ont> confr:-t11ce.

(ii) In respect of hearing of \v'rit i m..:nt<:'ts, Suits, appea,ls ;,.nd

Supreme courts leave applkations etc- 'Three conferences

Page4of 1l

n

,,.

6 I MiS1.'eilan-;ous and Otlt of pod:.e\ I ru per actuals tO the I 'j ex.pemes '. satisfaction of the concerned l

: field office ' r.--r:-~{ittt:n opinions and \l.-11.tt---"'n_a_d-=-v-:--ic_e __ __,!_&_s_'. 3,750/ · ----·-i

I mduding a(h1ce on evidence- (in:chisive ,

I <.1f consultation} _ ,~-1- --------·--- - ·-··--.. - J

•:• i\ll other tenns and conditions -applicabl m tht alxwe aieutioned Coun~"'b in variom High C..ourts I CAT Benches JS laid do1w11 ·vide the Depamnent of Legal .\ffiur:-'s, O:M No. 24{2}1 99- judl.,OM No. 26{3)99·JudL OM No. 25(3)/99-}idL .md 011 Ne. 26(2)/9 Judl., all dared 24.09.99, 1~ad. with OM No-26(1)/ZC{)~JudJ. dated 31.01.2008, OM No. 26(1)/2011- Judl.i dated 01.l0.2011 , OM No.23(2)2001-Judl & OM No. 22(02)2001 dated 14.7.2001 and 0 :\1 23(2)2011-Jucil dated 1.10.2011 shall continue to n:main applicable,

C. ])istriLt and Subortlinate Courts; The fee st11.icture applicable for counsds empanelled by the Central Board/ EPFO, C'...entr.11 Govt Standing Counsel (CGSC)~ Sr. CGSC ~ Standing Govt Counsel, Addl. Standing Go"\t. u J1.mscl for Distri, t and Subordinate Courts and District 0.msumer Forums for such Courts and Forums, will be as under ..

1

S.No. ; Itt!m of work j Revis~df;;

I 1. Fee frw effective he;rh1g I

I , 11. i Fee for non-effective hearing

L_l_ Page S of 11

0

··tRs. 1,800 per day I 1

f ' I I Rs. ~'J P<' r da~ ( li1:1!tt',d I j to .:, such heann=~ m a _ _ j

l 11

I case) I

13 -p ~-.: for drafting \Ylcirren Srntemem, 1 Rs. 11500 per pleading f i Grounds of Apptal etc. I

r;r-----1 -.,,.----,:~----.----,..---r ! 4. I Fee for dr:ifting orher pieadings of misc. Rs. 600 per ple11ding ! nature

I I r. i

-, .

I _ .....

Is+ I F~e p~r (lmferen(t Rs. 900 (limited to 5 such '

I corlferences in a case

. group of identical c~e.s)

i i . !

! Daily fee for Dut of Headquarters I R, ' 7 M cer. J,n; ---~

l . ,I .. I

.i. . ,.,::.., ...,,.,; u .. ~ I \

I rr.- -1· Cbnveyance ~barges for Io-cal journey R.,, 900[lump sum] --1 I I outr.;idc Headqu:ane~ . I I I I I

! 8. --1-I E-x--p-e1-isc-~·fo:r st:ayii{hotcls . Rs. 1.800 per day

' l ~ I I

1 9. I ck~rkage ·~ -~--· ·@ 10% of tot;l fe~---

1

excluding miscdhneous and o\lt of pocket

I ( l I expen~cs rn~um Rs . !

1

5,250 m a case)

Page 6 of 11

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Full fee in the 1st case I anJ Rs. 750 per suit for

1 connecte{l cases (ma..x. J

I

•

I cases) l

I I 111 _ __...._fv_,fu,......sL-'clla~eou.~ and out of pocket exp~nses

l I

l A~ per ~1etuals to the -·-\ 1 satisfact.ion oJ the 0{ C of I

I i

RO/ SRO

_________ .___ ________ ......,

Ai] other tern~ ®nd con<lilions applicable to above mentioned Counsels vide

Dep1tr,trntnr of L ,t¥t \.ftait~':-: OM No. 27/U1)/1999-Judl tL1ted 24.09.1999 read ~ith OM Nb. 27(25)/ 2011-Judt dated OL09.20l1 shall continue to remmn applicable.

D. Arbitration Cases; The Fee stn1ctme applicable to Senior/ Juniot' Arbit:~tion Pand Counsel;-

P~ge 7 of 11

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5. l(Limited tG :h.ree such

confercnce _m_ a (J.se) Dailv-fe-e for· out of Head ua rter

· Senlor Counsel RsJ,000/- per day I unior Counsel R~..22sc/~ er Jav

All other t:enns and conJitions applicable to OM Ho. 30(3)/99-J udl. dated 24.09.99

read Wlth OM No. 25(ll)/2C05/Judl cfated 31.01.1008, shall continue m remain a,pplicable.

General Inst;ntc;.tions:

1. The revised fee strm:ture is broa.<lly based on rhe circ:ulat ·oearing No. 26(1)2014/Judl daced 1.10.2015 re;,1d in conjuncti<>rt ,.\.1th tht c.ircuhus dace.l 24.9.1999, 1.102011 and various clarifications i\~ued hy the Dcpanm~nc of Legal .. i\ffain~ lv!inisuyof Law and Justice> Govr .. of India.

ii. futtt~ Q{ fre prescribed under T able-B shall al.so be applicable for items of lcg.11 work: done by an advocate in connection ·with a litigation io any ()ther Tribur.1al(s) (1t Adjudicatory Forum.

m. A claim for fee for attending court hearing Mil be entertained only if the appean.nce of advocate(s) engaged {conducting or arguing counseQ in a case i:. recorded in the Daily Order Sheer related to the hearing. In any case -where an advocate claims to have pa1ticipated in a hearing but his name does not find mention u1 the relme<l Daily Order Sheet, the onus to prove the participafrm in ihe s~ hearing shall lie v.~th the advocate concerned.

iv. Oaim for drafting/ filing/ settling of pleadings/ petition/OtV counter affidavit/ rejoinder/ caveat/ misc. application e;t.c. ~i.ll be entertained only when a copy of the filed document is enclosed ~h the bill.

v. Oaim for typing and photocopying charges v.,1Jl be restricted to the number of p;iges in the Petitkm/Counrer Affidavit/Rejoinder/Misc .. Application/ etc .

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vi. A bill in respect of an individual legal case may be presented by an advocate for

each irr.'m of \vork (as listed in the able c1hove) a.,; soon as it becomes due ,vithout waii:ing for that legal case to get over. The EPFO office concemed shall proce.-;s the bills imme<lfaceiy and the pa)'mem shall be released v.-'idiin a month uf the date of the receipt of bill comple1c in all re~pcct.

\tt.i. The p!1rnse HCentral Board " ()r "EPFO'> includes its offices and officers and should be construed according to the demand of the context

«iL Identical ca!es have been explained in 0Jv1 dated 24.09.1999 of t-finistry of Law andJus1ice} GOI a.i; follows:

T 110 or mn G1Sei wx:rr: suhstantidly identiall qU€5tia1S g W ar fac..s im!

imd11:fi. ani u.~ the min dif{ererre is in tb: n.tn'k'J, adthPJ-si5 cf d~ JW!U.'S l'fJJ'l:J?mJi, annmt cf nvry imrlm:l, etc, WJere !}x r:mmm ()( ifh11iml j1,1t,lJrenls an: ddnerrr/ irrrsµrtnl' cf fh fact Wxi:h!'i' alJ U:Je CW/5 an? m.1ff/

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ix. Effeetive Hearing :Means:

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(a) A hearing wherein either one or both parties involved .in case are heard bythe Coun is an cHcccivc hearing. Ho~ver, in a hearing J merely a case is mentioned md adjourned or only directions are given or only judgment is delivered by the Coun, it v.·nuld not

constitute an effective hearing but will be termed as non-effective hearing.

(b) In. a civil case, a date - on wh.ic11 plaint/pecicioncr/1-vnLtcn statemenrs is filed o.r the issues are fo1me<l or a hearing in v.11ich "v:imesses are examined by \vay of filing of affirfavit or otherwise or cn:Jss-e.."<amin.ation take place or an importam: miscellaneous appltcation is argue<l or f inal ~rgu:m.ent~ 1~ place, - ii; an insb.nce

of effeetive hearing.

(c) In a criminal ca.se1 a date, ~ wht:re charge or notice, as the c-.ise m:iy be, is framed against the accused or hearing ~-herein recording of testimonies of ·wimess including cross examination or recording

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. .. q:1' state~nt of ifo.~.iccv ca -under sett.ion 281 of 3110. P.C take place ·oi ·defence mtnesse."> are exi.mine<l or :trgnment on any imporrattr mG;'cellancous application is he.anl, - iS an iastanct d rJfecdve hcarint~

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An empanelled advocate or other legal practitioner to l.\.nom a case his been nssigrted. is bound to attend all heanngs in that case~ '\\.nether dfective or .aon:.effectivc.

x. Travel . out of Hcadgu1rttrs: If a counsel IB required to go out of rhc madquarter'.S in connc.:tion "~1th assigned legal v.urk like for conference \\ith a Se1uor C.Ounsd, appearance in a court outside the Headquarter.; @lG,.~ h~ -will be entitled to reirhbursernem uf expens@s irreurred for travel, lodging anti ho,irding atparwith a,Group A Officer in Junior Administrative Grade QAG).

xL The compesrcnt authority to apµmV'e the legal foe bill shall be a.s per the Schedule o1 Finan~ and Admini.~trative Po"M:rs, issued by the Finance Division of EPF(\ as amended from time w time. It has also been da;rified by . ' · , -, ..

Pinaocc Div-ision ofHe-ad.dffice \~de its note dau;d 01.09.2016 rhat the -.,-.,:,orrJ used ('in. ~«:h ca;:;e,~ ·refers to m,eumng ~xpe.nclittlre. }le,nC(\ the I,"iiJWCr

delegated under item No. 21 may be.1.ls'.t!d for the sanl-uop 6f the bill ammmt by the ficldoffices~ accordinily,

xif. If in t\ particular cas.e, it is asce1tained by the OlC that th'¢ hest. lineks1 of thi::

xiii.

So.<..1ru Security. or the C..crur.:i:l Boatd/tPF'O can; be served by engaging an ad-"''"6ca e outside the panel" the reason fQr eng;.gfog such advocate .may be recorded by me officer.in ·z;h11rge of the RO or SRO c,mcemed and onvcycd (through proper channd) I( the ACC of :rhe Zote t(mnemed, fo1· his/ her approval. If an advocate outside the panel if crtg:iged, the i~c stn.k.ture prescribed in tbe instant drcqbr shall apply to the wofk Jone by su,,,h

· advocates as well.

i\n -ad.voc~tr. cun be i::',LJ.gaged from outside the panel of the Cemral Board/ EPFO, ag.1iust .i fa which .is higher r.han that pn;serihed in the: inst.i nt

circuktr) ifrii."/ her enga~ltinem for a litigation is considered desitable to proten or pmmore the bc~t inteitst of soc.-ial sehtrlr;r or the Ontral Board/ EP'f.'O~

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Such an advo(ate c.1n be engaged oniy after recording rht reason for his/her engagement anJ after securing the permission of the uncra.l Provident Fund Commissioner atleJst t·wo -<;1..'eeks before the date of hearing.

xiv. Any issue on which this circular is silent or lacks claricy. shall be examined by the ACC{Zi>ne)conceme.d and in case the Aca:._zone} feels the need for any clarification, the saru~ may be referred to Head Office clearly specifying the point on wni.ch clarity is sought.

• 1a.-v. 1he revised mtes shall be applicable from the date of issue of tru!i

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To

comm1.UUca~1on.

( This is sues with the apprt}val of CPFC.)

\'·~~ (DR. S.l{. lTfAJ\'1.TR)

ADDL. CENTRAL PF COMMISSIONER-l (Legal)

l. AJl Addl. CPFC (Zon~:)/Director-{PDUNASS) 2. All ROs/ SROs l All Officers-in·d1ar:ge of ZTis anJ Sub-ZTI

Copytt);-

1. fA&Ct>..O z. cvo 3. ACQHQ)(HR)I ACC(HQ)(C.ompriance) 4. Deputy Direc1or (OL). Head Office for i.~sue of Hindi version.

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(SA .. ~ARB);DRA Kl)1\lAR) REGIONAL PF COM1Yl1SSIONER-I (legal)