O R D E R

The petitioner challenges the order dated 20.02.2025 passed by the respondent in exercise of powers under Section 7A of the Employees’

Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

2. As against an order passed under Section 7A of the said Act, an efficacious alternative statutory remedy of appeal is available. Therefore, the writ petition, filed without exhausting the said remedy, is not maintainable. On this ground alone, the writ petition is dismissed, while preserving liberty to the petitioner to approach the Appellate Authority.

3. If the petitioner files an appeal within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, the Appellate Authority shall consider the same on merits, without reference to limitation, subject to the petitioner complying with the statutory pre-deposit requirement.

4. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.