JUDGMENT :

Raja Vijayaraghavan V., J.

1. Champakara Road Lines is a motor transport concern run by the petitioner. The said establishment is covered by the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 ('EPF Act' for short). They defaulted in remitting the contributions and accumulations payable under the EPF Act and the sundry schemes formulated under that statute. It was in those circumstances that the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, Kottayam issued notice to the petitioner enabling it to show cause against the imposition of 'Damages' and interest under Section 14B and 7Q of the EPF Act for belated remittances during the period from 3/12 to 12/17. It is at this juncture that the petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction to the respondents to permit the petitioner to remit the outstanding amount in monthly installments.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Sri. Joy Thattil Itoop, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents.

3. I have considered the submissions advanced and have perused the records.

4. Having considered the facts and circumstances and the alleged impecunious circumstances pleaded by the pe