This writ petition has been instituted essentially for securing the benefit of coverage under the Employees Pension Scheme, 1995 framed under the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (for short `the Act'). The material facts which are necessary for deciding the controversy in the writ petition are thus:

The writ petitioner initially joined the services of Accounts Department on 6.11.1959. While he was working as a Section Officer (Accounts), he came on deputation to Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd, Hyderabad, a Government of India Undertaking (hereinafter referred to as `Midhani') on 27.1.1995. He came to be permanently absorbed later on in the service of Midhani with effect from 1.8.1976. The Deputy Controller General of Defence Accounts (AN) conveyed through his proceedings No. 29011(85)/74/AN/E, dated 18.1.1977 the sanction of the President to the permanent absorption of the writ petitioner in Midhani. It was made clear in the said order that on his permanent absorption in Midhani, the petitioner shall be eligible for pro rata pension and death cum retirement gratuity based on the length of qualifying service rendered by him under the Government of I