JUDGMENT

(Common Prayer: Civil Miscellaneous Appeals filed under Section 82(2) of the Employees'' State Insurance Act 1948, to set aside the order dated 19.09.2017 passed by the ESI court (Labour Court), Madurai in E.S.I.O.P.Nos.18 and 17 of 2009 and allow the ESIOPs filed by the appellants.)

Common Judgment:

Both these appeals have been filed by the Management challenging the order passed by the E.S.I.Court, Madurai in ESIOP.Nos.17 and 18 of 2009 wherein the order the E.S.I.Corporation under Section 45-A of the E.S.I.Act demanding contribution for the apprentices appointed under the Certified Standing Orders of the factory have been confirmed.

2. Factual Background:

(i).In CMA(MD).No.921 of 2018, the appellant is admittedly a factory and they are covered under E.S.I.Act. An inspection was conducted on 13.03.2008 and a show cause notice was issued on 26.06.2008 why the contribution should not be recovered from the employer towards apprentice wages and trainee wages.

(ii). A Form C-18 notice was issued on 26.06.2008 in which a sum of Rs.48,901/- was demanded as contribution towards apprentice wages and trainee wages. After affording opportunity to the m