K.K. Sasidharan, J.

This writ appeal is directed against the order passed by the learned Single Judge dated 2. 2007 in W.P.No.9637 of 2004 whereby the proceedings issued by the first appellant dated 4. 2002 directing payment of damages under Section 14 -B of the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 was set aside with a direction to refix the amount after granting reduction, but without interest under Section 7-Q of the Act.

Factual Background:-

2. The respondent is an educational institution and their institution is covered under the provisions of the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (hereinafter referred to as "E.P.F Act.") The respondent appears to have collected the employees share but failed to pay the contribution to the fund as well as the scheme within the time permitted, which made the first appellant (hereafter referred as "the Authorised Officer") to pass an order under Section 14-B of the E.P.F. Act calling upon the respondent to pay damages as well as to pay interest on such damages. The said order dated 4. 2002 was the subject matter of challenge in the writ petition. It was the contention of the respo