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            THE EMPLOYEES' STATE INSURANCE ACT, 1948  
                   ACT NO. 34 OF 1948 1*  
                    [19th April, 1948.]
  
 
 An Act  to provide  for certain  benefits  to  employees  in  case  of
 sickness, maternity  and employment  injury and  to make provision for
 certain other matters in relation thereto.
 
      WHEREAS it  is expedient  to  provide  for  certain  benefits  to
 employees in  case of sickness, maternity and employment injury and to
 make provision for certain other matters in relation thereto;
 
      It is hereby enacted as follows:--
 
  
 CHAP
  
 PRELIMINARY
  
 
                               CHAPTER I
 
                              PRELIMINARY
 
  
 1.
  
 Short title, extent, commencement and application.
  
 
      1. Short title, extent,  commencement and  application.- (1) This
 Act may be called the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948.
 
      (2) It extends to the whole of India 2***.
 
      (3) It  shall come  into force  on such  date or  dates3*  as the
 Central Government  may, by  notification  in  the  Official  Gazette,
 appoint, and  different  dates  3*  may  be  appointed  for  different
 provisions of  this Act  and 4*[for  different States or for different
 parts thereof].
 
      (4) It  shall apply,  in the  first instance,  to  all  factories
 (including factories  belonging to the Government) other than seasonal
 factories.
 
      5*[Provided that  nothing contained  in this  sub-section  shall
 apply to  a factory or establishment belonging to or under the control
 of the Government whose employees are otherwise in receipt of benefits
 substantially similar  or superior to the benefits provided under this
 Act.]
 
      (5) The  appropriate Government  may, in  consultation  with  the
 Corporation  and  6*[where  the  appropriate  Government  is  a  State
 Government, with the approval of the Central Government], after giving
 six months' notice of its intention of so doing by notification in the
 Official Gazette, extend the provisions of this Act or any of them, to
 any  other  establishment  or  class  of  establishments,  industrial,
 commercial, agricultural or otherwise:
 
      7*[Provided that  where the  provisions of  this Act  have  been
 brought into  force in  any part of a State, the said provisions shall
 stand extended  to any  such establishment  or class of establishments
 within that  part if  the provisions  have already  been  extended  to
 similar establishment  or class  of establishments  in another part of
 that State.];
 
      5*[(6)  A  factory or  an establishment to which this Act applies
 shall continue  to be  governed by  this Act  notwithstanding that the
 number of  persons employed  therein at any time falls below the limit
 specified by  or under  this Act  or the manufacturing process therein
 ceases to be carried on with the aid of power.].
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   This Act has been extended to Jaunsar Bawar Parganas in the Dehra
 Dun District  and the  areas of South of Kaimpur range in the Mirzapur
 District of  the State  of Uttar  Pradesh by  Schedule IV of Act 20 of
 1954; Pondicherry  by Reg.  7 of  1963, s. 3 and Sch. I and Goa, Daman
 and Diu by Reg. 11 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch.
 2.   The words  "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act
      51 of 1970, s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-9-1971).
 3.   For dates, see Annexure.
 4.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 2, for "for different States".
 5.   Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  2 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 6.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 2,  for   "with the  approval  of the
      Central Government".
 7.   Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-5-1990).
 
 224
 
  
 2.
  
 Definations.
  
 
      2. Definations.- In this  Act, unless there is anything repugnant
 in the subject or context,--
 
           (1)  "appropriate   Government"   means,   in   respect   of
                establishments  under   the  control   of  the  Central
                Government or  1*[a railway  administration] or a major
                port or a mine or oilfield, the Central Government, and
                in all other cases, the State Government;
 
      2*                 *                 *            *             *
 
 
           (3) "confinement"  means labour  resulting in the issue of a
                living child,  or  labour  after  twenty-six  weeks  of
                pregnancy resulting  in the  issue of  a child  whether
                alive or dead;
 
           (4) "contribution"  means the  sum of  money payable  to the
                Corporation by  the principal employer in respect of an
                employee and  includes any  amount  payable  by  or  on
                behalf  of   the  employee   in  accordance   with  the
                provisions of this Act;
 
      4*         *               *               *                   *
 
 
           (6)  "Corporation"  means  the  Employees'  State  Insurance
                Corporation set up under this Act;
 
           3*[(6A) "dependant"  means any of the following relatives of
                a deceased insured person, namely:--
 
                     (i) a widow, a minor legitimate or adopted son, an
                unmarried legitimate and adopted 4*[daughter;]
 
                     5*[(ia) a widowed mother;]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by the A.O. 1950 for "a federal railway".
 2.   Omitted by Act 29 1989, s.  3 (w.e.f. .........).
 3.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 3 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 5.   Ins. by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 225
 
                (ii) if wholly dependent on the earnings of the insured
                     person at  the time  of his death, a legitimate or
                     adopted son  or daughter  who has attained the age
                     of eighteen years and is infirm;
 
                (iii) if wholly or in part dependent on the earnings of
                     the insured person at the time of his death,--
 
                          (a) a parent other than a widowed mother,
 
                          (b) a  minor illegitimate  son, an  unmarried
                     illegitimate daughter  or a daughter legitimate or
                     adopted or  illegitimate if married and a minor or
                     if widowed and a minor,
 
                          (c) a minor brother or an unmarried sister or
                     a widowed sister if a minor,
 
                          (d) a widowed daughter-in-law,
 
                          (e) a minor child of a pre-deceased son,
 
                          (f) a  minor child of a pre-deceased daughter
                     where no parent of the child is alive, or
 
                          (g) a  paternal grand-parent  if no parent of
                     the insured person is alive;]
 
           (7) "duly  appointed" means appointed in accordance with the
                provisions of this Act or with the rules or regulations
                made thereunder;
 
           1*[(8) "employment  injury" means  a personal  injury to  an
                employee caused  by accident or an occupational disease
                arising out  of and  in the  course of  his employment,
                being an  insurable employment,  whether  the  accident
                occurs or the occupational disease is contracted within
                or outside the territorial limits of India;]
 
           (9) "employee"  means any person employed for wages in or in
                connection with  the work of a factory or establishment
                to which this Act applies and--
 
                     (i) who  is directly  employed  by  the  principal
                employer on  any work  of, or incidental or preliminary
                to or  connected with  the  work  of,  the  factory  or
                establishment,  whether   such  work  is  done  by  the
                employee in  the factory or establishment or elsewhere;
                or
 
                     (ii) who  is employed  by or  through an immediate
                employer  on   the   premises   of   the   factory   or
                establishment or
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2, for cl. (8) (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 226
 
                under the  supervision of the principal employer or his
                agent on  work which  is ordinarily part of the work of
                the factory or establishment or which is preliminary to
                the work  carried on in or incidental to the purpose of
                the factory or establishment; or
 
                     (iii) whose  services are  temporarily lent or let
                on hire  to the  principal employer  by the person with
                whom the  person whose  services are  so lent or let on
                hire has entered into a contract of service;
 
                1*[and  includes  any  person   employed  for  wages on
                any work  connected  with  the  administration  of  the
                factory or  establishment or  any part,  department  or
                branch thereof  or with  the purchase  of raw materials
                for, or  the distribution  or sale  of the products of,
                the factory  or establishment 2*[ or any person engaged
                as an apprentice, not being an apprentice engaged under
                the Apprentices  Act, 1961  (52 of 1961),  or under the
                standing orders  of the  establishment;  but  does  not
                include]]
 
                     (a)any  member of  3*[the Indian] naval, military
                or air forces; or
 
                     4*[(b)  any   person  so   employed  whose   wages
                (excluding  remuneration   for  overtime  work)  exceed
                5*[such wages  as may  be prescribed  by  the  Central
                Government]:
 
                     Provided that  an employee  whose wages (excluding
                remuneration for  overtime work)  exceed 5*[ such wages
                as may be prescribed by the Central Government]  at any
                time after  (and  not  before)  the  beginning  of  the
                contribution period,  shall continue  to be an employee
                until the end of that period;]
 
      (10) "exempted  employee" means  an employee  who is  not  liable
 under this Act to pay the employee's contribution;
 
      2*[(11) "family"  means all or any of the following relatives of
 an insured person, namely:--
 
                (i) a spouse;
 
                (ii) a minor legitimate or adopted child dependent upon
           the insured person;
 
                (iii) a  child who  is wholly dependent on the earnings
           of the insured person and who is--
 
                     (a) receiving  education, till  he or  she attains
                         the age of twenty-one years,
 
                     (b) an unmarried daughter;
 
                (iv) a child who is infirm by reason of any physical or
           mental abnormality  or injury and is wholly dependent on the
           earnings of  the insured  person, so  long as  the infirmity
           continues;
 
                (v) dependent parents;
 
      (12)  "factory"   means  any  premises  including  the  precincts
 thereof--
 
           (a) whereon  ten  or  more  persons  are  employed  or  were
 employed for  wages on  any day of the preceding twelve months, and in
 any part of which a manufacturing process is being carried on with the
 aid of power or is ordinarily so carried on, or
 
      (b) whereon  twenty or more persons are employed or were employed
 for wages  on any  day of the preceding twelve months, and in any part
 of which  a manufacturing  process is being carried on without the aid
 of power or is ordinarily so carried on,
 
 but does not include a mine subject to the operation of the Mines Act,
 1952 (35 of 1952) or a railway running shed;]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2, for "but does not include" (w.e.f.
      28-1-1968).
 2.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989 s.  3 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for "His Majesty's".
 4.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2, for cl. (b) (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 5.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 3 (w.e.f. ....... ).
 
 227
 
      (13) "immediate  employer", in  relation to employees employed by
           or through  him, means  a  person  who  has  undertaken  the
           execution, on  the premises of a factory or an establishment
           to which  this Act  applies or  under the supervision of the
           principal employer or his agent, of the whole or any part of
           any work which is ordinarily part of the work of the factory
           or establishment of the principal employer or is preliminary
           to the  work carried on in, or incidental to the purpose of,
           any such  factory or establishment, and includes a person by
           whom the  services of  an employee  who has  entered into  a
           contract of  service with him are temporarily lent or let on
           hire  to  the  principal  employer;  1*[and   includes     a
           contractor];
 
 
      2*(13A) "insurable  employment" means  an employment in a factory
           or establishment to which this Act applies;]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  3 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.    Clause (13A) ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 228
 
      (14) "insured person" means a person who is or was an employee in
           respect of whom contributions are or were payable under this
           Act and  who is,  by reason  thereof, entitled to any of the
           benefits provided by this Act;
 
      1*[(14A) "managing agent" means any person appointed or acting as
                the representative of another person for the purpose of
                carrying on  such other person's trade or business, but
                does not  include an  individual manager subordinate to
                an employer;
 
      2*[ (14AA)  "manufacturing   process"  shall   have  the  meaning
 assigned to it in the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948);]
 
      (14B) "mis-carriage" means expulsion of the contents of a pregnant
           uterus at  any period  prior to  or during  the twenty sixth
           week of  pregnancy but does not include any miscarriage, the
           causing of which is punishable under the Indian  Penal  Code
           (45 of 1860);]
 
      (15) "occupier" of the factory shall have the meaning assigned to
           it in the Factories Act, 3*[1948 (63 of 1948)];
 
      4*[(15A) "permanent  partial disablement"  means such disablement
                of a  permanent nature, as reduces the earning capacity
                of an employee in every employment which he was capable
                of undertaking at the time of the accident resulting in
                the disablement:
 
      Provided that  every injury  specified in  Part II  of the Second
           Schedule shall  be deemed  to result  in  permanent  partial
           disablement;
 
      (15B) "permanent  total disablement"  means such disablement of a
           permanent nature  as incapacitates  an employee for all work
           which he  was capable  of performing  at  the  time  of  the
           accident resulting in such disablement:
 
      Provided that  permanent total  disablement shall  be  deemed  to
           result from  every injury  specified in Part I of the Second
           Schedule or  from any  combination of  injuries specified in
           Part II  thereof where  the aggregate percentage of the loss
           of earning  capacity, as  specified  in  the  said  Part  II
           against those  injuries, amounts to one hundred per cent. or
           more;]
 
      2*[(15C) "power"  shall have  the meaning  assigned to it in the
 Factories Act, 1948(53 of 1948);]
 
      (16) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act:
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Clauses (14A)  and (14B) ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2 (w.e.f. 28-
      1-1968).
 2.   Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  3 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 3, for "1934".
 4.   Clauses (15A)  and (15B) ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2 (w.e.f. 28-
      1-1968).
 
 229
 
      (17) "principal employer" means--
 
                (i) in  a factory, the owner or occupier of the factory
           and includes  the managing  agent of such owner or occupier,
           the legal  representative of  a deceased  owner or occupier,
           and where  a person  has been  named as  the manager  of the
           factory under 1*[the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948)],  the
           person so named;
 
                (ii) in  any establishment  under the  control  of  any
           department  of   any  Government  in  India,  the  authority
           appointed by  such Government  in this  behalf or  where  no
           authority is so appointed, the head of the department;
 
                (iii)  in   any   other   establishment,   any   person
           responsible  for   the  supervision   and  control   of  the
           establishment;
 
      (18) "regulation" means a regulation made by the Corporation;
 
      (19) "Schedule" means a Schedule to this Act;
 
      2*[(19A)  "seasonal factory" means a factory which is exclusively
 engaged in  one or  more of  the  following  manufacturing  processes,
 namely, cotton  ginning, cotton  or jute  pressing,  decortication  of
 groundnuts, the  manufacture of  coffee, indigo,  lac,  rubber,  sugar
 (including  gur)   or  tea  or  any  manufacturing  process  which  is
 incidental to  or connected  with any  of the  aforesaid processes and
 includes a  factory which  is engaged for a period not exceeding seven
 months in a year--
 
           (a) in  any process of blending, packing or repacking of tea
                or coffee; or
 
           (b) in  such other  manufacturing  process  as  the  Central
                Government  may,   by  notification   in  the  Official
                Gazette, specify;]
 
      (20)  "sickness"   means  a   condition  which  requires  medical
           treatment and  attendance and  necessitates abstention  from
           work on medical grounds;
 
      (21) "temporary  disablement" means a condition resulting from an
           employment  injury  which  requires  medical  treatment  and
           renders an employee, as a result of such injury, temporarily
           incapable of  3*[doing the  work which he was doing prior to
           or at the time of the injury];
 
      (22) "wages"  means all  remuneration paid or payable, in cash to
           an employee,  if the  terms of  the contract  of employment,
           express or  implied,  were  fulfilled  and  includes  4*[any
           payment  to   an  employee  in  respect  of  any  period  of
           authorised leave,  lock-out, strike  which is not illegal or
           lay-off and]  other additional remuneration, if any, 5*[paid
           at  intervals  not  exceeding  two  months],  but  does  not
           include--
 
                (a) any  contribution  paid  by  the  employer  to  any
           pension fund or provident fund, or under this Act;
 
                (b) any  travelling  allowance  or  the  value  of  any
           travelling concession;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 3, for "clause (e) of sub-section (1)
      of section 9 of the Factories Act, 1934".
 2.   Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  3 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2, for "work" (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.   Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 5.   Subs. by  Act 53  of 1951,  s. 3,  for "paid at regular intervals
      after the last day of the wage period".
 
 230
 
                (c) any  sum paid  to the  person  employed  to  defray
           special expenses  entailed on  him  by  the  nature  of  his
           employment; or
 
                (d) any gratuity payable on discharge;
 
      1*[ (23) "wage  period" in  relation to  an  employee  means  the
                period in respect of which wages are ordinarily payable
                to  him  whether  in  terms   of   the   contract    of
                employment, express  or  implied  or otherwise;]
 
      2*[(24) all  other words  and expressions used but not defined in
                this Act  and defined  in the  Industrial Disputes Act,
                1947 (14 of 1947), shall have the meaninsg respectively
                assigned to them in that Act.]
 
  
 2A.
  
 Registration of factories and establishments.
  
 
      3*[2A.  Registration   of  factories  and  establishments.- Every
 factory or establishment to which this Act applies shall be registered
 within such  time and  in such  manner as  may  be  specified  in  the
 regulations made in this behalf.]
 
  
 CHAP
  
 CORPORATION, STANDING COMMITTEE AND MEDICAL BENEFIT COUNCIL
  
 
                               CHAPTER II
 
      CORPORATION, STANDING COMMITTEE AND MEDICAL BENEFIT COUNCIL
 
  
 3.
  
 Establishment of Employees' State Insurance Corporation.
  
 
      3. Establishment  of Employees' State Insurance Corporation.- (1)
 With  effect  from  such  date  as  the  Central  Government  may,  by
 notification in  the Official  Gazette, appoint  in this behalf, there
 shall  be   established  for  the  administration  of  the  scheme  of
 Employees' State  Insurance in  accordance with the provisions of this
 Act a  Corporation to  be known  as  the  Employees'  State  Insurance
 Corporation.
 
      (2) The  Corporation shall  be a  body corporate  by the  name of
 Employees' State Insurance Corporation having perpetual succession and
 a common seal and shall by the said name sue and be sued.
 
  
 4.
  
 Constitution of Corporation.
  
 
      4. Constitution of Corporation.- The Corporation shall consist of
 the following members, namely:--
 
           4*[(a)  a  Chairman  to  be  5*[appointed]  by  the  Central
                Government;
 
           (b) a  Vice-Chairman to  be  5*[appointed]  by  the  Central
                Government;]
 
           (c) not more than five persons to be [appointed] 6*** by the
                Central Government;
 
           (d) one  person each  representing each of the 7*[8*[States]
                in which  this Act  is in force] to be 5*[appointed] by
                the State Government concerned;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 2, for cl. (24) (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 2.   Subs.  by Act 45 of 1984, s.  2 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 3.   S. 2A ins. by Act 44 of 1966 s. 3 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.   Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for clauses (a) and (b) (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 5.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  4 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 6.   The words  "of whom  at least  three shall  be officials  of  the
      Central Government" omitted by Act 44 of 1966, s. 4 (w.e.f.
      17-6-1967).
 7.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 4, for "Part A States".
 8.   Subs. by  the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956, for "Part A
      States and Part B States".
 231
 
           (e)  one   person  to be 1*[appointed]    by   the  Central
                Government to represent the 2*[Union territories];
 
         (f) 3*[ten] persons representing employers to be 1*[appointed]
                 by  the   Central Government in consultation with such
                organisations of employers as may be recognised for the
                purpose by the Central Government;
 
         (g) 3*[ten] persons representing employees to be 1*[appointed]
                by the Central Government in   consultation  with  such
                organisations of employees as may be recognised for the
                purpose by the Central Government;
 
           (h) two  persons representing  the medical  profession to be
                1*[appointed]      by   the   Central   Government   in
                consultation  with   such  organisations   of   medical
                practitioners as  may be  recognised for the purpose by
                the Central Government; 4***
 
           5*[(i) three  members of  Parliament of  whom two  shall  be
                members of  the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and one
                shall be  a member  of the  Council  of  States  (Rajya
                Sabha) elected respectively by the members of the House
                of the People and the members of the Council of States;
                and
 
           (j) the Director General of the Corporation, ex officio.]
 
  
 5.
  
 Term of office of members of the Corporation.
  
 
      5. Term of office  of members  of the  Corporation.- (1) Save as
 otherwise expressly  provided in  this Act,  the  term  of  office  of
 members of  the Corporation,  other than 6*[the members referred to in
 clauses (a),  (b), (c),  (d) and  (e) of  section 4 and the ex-officio
 member,] shall  be four  years commencing from the date on which their
 1*[appointment]  or election is notified:
 
      Provided that  a member of the Corporation shall, notwithstanding
 the expiry  of the  said period of four years, continue to hold office
 until the 1*[appointment] or election of his successor is notified.
 
      (2) The members of the Corporation referred to in clauses 6*[(a),
 (b), (c),  (d) and  (e)] of  section 4  shall hold  office during  the
 pleasure of the Government 1*[appointing] them.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989 s.  4 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.   Subs. by  the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956, for "Part C
      States".
 3.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  5 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 4.   The word  "and" omitted  by Act  44 of  1966, s. 4, (w.e.f. 17-6-
      1967).
 5.   Subs. by s. 4, ibid. for cl. (i) (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 6.   Subs. by  s. 5,  ibid. for  "the ex officio  members and  members
      referred to  in clauses   (c),  (d) and (e) of section 4," (w.e.f.
      17-6- 1967).
 7.   Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for "(c), (d) and (e)" (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
 232
 
  
 6.
  
 Eligibility for re-appointment or re-election.
  
 
      6. Eligibility  for re-appointment  or  re-election.- An outgoing
 member of  the Corporation,  the Standing  Committee, or  the  Medical
 Benefit Council  shall  be  eligible  for  1*[re-appointment]  or  re-
 election as the case may be.
 
  
 7.
  
 Authentication of orders, decisions, etc.
  
 
      2*[7. Authentication  of orders,  decisions, etc.- All orders and
 decisions of  the Corporation  shall be authenticated by the signature
 of the  Director General  of the Corporation and all other instruments
 issued by  the Corporation  shall be authenticated by the signature of
 the Director  General or  such other officer of the Corporation as may
 be authorised by him.]
 
  
 8.
  
 Constitution of Standing Committee.
  
 
      8. Constitution  of Standing  Committee.- A Standing Committee of
 the  Corporation   shall  be   constituted  from  among  its  members,
 consisting of--
 
           (a) a Chairman, 1*[appointed] by the Central Government;
 
           (b) three  members of  the Corporation, 1*[appointed] by the
                Central Government];
 
           3*[(bb) three  members of  the Corporation representing such
                three  State   Governments  thereon   as  the   Central
                Government  may,   by  notification   in  the  Official
                Gazette, specify from time to time;]
 
           (c)  4*[eight]   members  elected   by  the  Corporation  as
                follows:--
 
            5*               *               *             *           *
 
                     (ii) 6*[three]  members from  among the members of
                the Corporation representing employers;
 
                     (iii) 6*[three]  members from among the members of
                the Corporation representing employees;
 
                     (iv) one  member from  among the  members  of  the
                Corporation representing the medical profession; and
 
                     (v) one  member from  among  the  members  of  the
                Corporation elected by 7*[Parliament];
 
           8*[(d) the Director General of the Corporation, ex officio.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  4 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 6, for s. 7 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 3.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 5.
 4.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 7, for "six" (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 5.   Sub-clause (i) omitted by Act 53 of 1961, s. 5.
 6.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 7, for "two" (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 7.   Subs. by the A.O. 1950 for "the Central Legislature".
 8.   Cl. (d) ins by Act 44 of 1966, s. 7 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
 233
 
  
 9.
  
 Term of office of members of Standing Committee.
  
 
      9. Term  of office of members of Standing Committee.- (1) Save as
 otherwise expressly  provided in  this Act,  the term  of office  of a
 member of  the Standing  Committee, other than a member referred to in
 clause (a) or 1*[clause (b) or clause (bb)] of section 8, shall be two
 years from the date on which his election is notified:
 
      Provided  that   a  member   of  the  Standing  Committee  shall,
 notwithstanding the  expiry of  the said period of two years, continue
 to hold office until the election of his successor is notified:
 
      Provided further  that a  member of  the Standing Committee shall
 cease to hold office when he ceases to be a member of the Corporation.
 
      (2) A  member of the Standing Committee referred to in clause (a)
 or 1*[clause (b) or clause (bb)] of section 8 shall hold office during
 the pleasure of the Central Government.
 
  
 10.
  
 Medical Benefit Council.
  
 
      10. Medical  Benefit Council.- (1) The  Central Government  shall
 constitute a Medical Benefit Council consisting of--
 
           (a) the  Director General,  Health Services,  ex officio, as
                Chairman;
 
           (b)  a  Deputy  Director-General,  Health  Services,  to  be
                4*[appointed] by the Central Government;
 
           (c) the Medical Commissioner of the Corporation, ex officio;
 
           (d) one  member each  representing each  of the 2*[3*[States
                (other than Union territories)] in which this Act is in
                force] to  be 4*[appointed]  by  the  State  Government
                concerned;
 
           (e) three members representing employers to be 4*[appointed]
                by the  Central Government  in consultation  with  such
                organisations of employers as may be recognised for the
                purpose by the Central Government;
 
           (f) three members representing employees to be 4*[appointed]
                by the Central Government  in  consultation  with  such
                organisations of employees as may be recognised for the
                purpose by the Central Government; and
 
           (g) three  members, of  whom not  less than  one shall  be a
                woman,  representing  the  medical  profession,  to  be
                4*[appointed] by the Central Government in consultation
                with such organisations
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 6, for "clause (b)".
 2.   Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for "Part A States".
 3.   Subs. by  the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956, for "Part A
      States or Part B States".
 4.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 4 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 234
 
                of medical  practitioners as  may be recognised for the
                purpose by the Central Government.
 
      (2) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, the term of
 office of a member of the Medical Benefit Council, other than a member
 referred to in any of the clauses (a) to (d) of sub-section (1), shall
 be four years from the date on which his 1*[appointment] is notified:
 
      2*[Provided that  a member  of the Medical Benefit Council shall,
 notwithstanding the  expiry of  the said period of four years continue
 to  hold   office  until  the  1*[appointment]  of  his  successor  is
 notified.]
 
      (3) A  member of  the Medical  Benefit  Council  referred  to  in
 clauses (b)  and (d)  of sub-sction  (1) shall  hold office during the
 pleasure of the Government 1*[appointing] him.
 
  
 11.
  
 Resignation of membership.
  
 
      11. Resignation  of membership.- A member of the Corporation, the
 Standing Committee  or the  Medical Benefit  Council  may  resign  his
 office by  notice in  writing to  the Central  Government and his seat
 shall fall  vacant on  the  acceptance  of  the  resignation  by  that
 Government.
 
  
 12.
  
 Cessation of membership.
  
 
      12.  Cessation   of  membership.-   3*[(1)]    A  member  of  the
 Corporation, the  Standing Committee  or the  Medical Benefit  Council
 shall cease  to be  a member  of that body if he fails to attend three
 consecutive meetings thereof:
 
      Provided that  the Corporation,  the Standing  Committee  or  the
 Medical Benefit  Council, as  the case  may be,  may, subject to rules
 made by  the  Central  Government  in  this  behalf,  restore  him  to
 membership.
 
      4*[(2) Where  in the opinion of the Central Government any person
 1*[appointed] or  elected to  represent employers,  employees  or  the
 medical profession  on the  Corporation, the Standing Committee or the
 Medical Benefit  Council, as  the case may be, has ceased to represent
 such employers,  employees or  the  medical  profession,  the  Central
 Government may,  by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that
 with effect  from such  date as  may be  specified therein such person
 shall cease  to be a member of the Corporation, the Standing Committee
 or the Medical Benefit Council, as the case may be.]
 
      5*[(3) A  person referred  to in  clause (i)  of section  4 shall
 cease to  be a member of the Corporation when he ceases to be a member
 of Parliament.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  4 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.  Added by Act 44 of 1966, s. 8 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 3.  Renumbered as sub-section (1) by Act 53 of 1951, s. 8.
 4.  Ins. by s. 8, ibid.
 5.  Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 9 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
 234A
 
  
 13.
  
 Disqualification.
  
 
      13. Disqualification.- A person  shall be  disqualified for being
 chosen as  or for  being a  member of  the Corporation,  the  Standing
 Committee or the Medical Benefit Council--
 
           (a) if  he is  declared to be of unsound mind by a competent
                Court; or
 
           (b) if he is an undischarged insolvent; or
 
           (c) if  he has  directly or  indirectly by himself or by his
                partner any  interest in a subsisting contract with, or
                any work  being done  for, the  Corporation except as a
                medical practitioner  or as  a shareholder (not being a
                Director) of a company; or
 
           (d) if  before or after the commencement of this Act, he has
                been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude.
 
  
 14.
  
 Filling of vacancies.
  
 
      14.  Filling  of  vacancies.- (1)  Vacancies  in  the  office  of
 1*[appointed]   or elected  members of  the Corporation,  the Standing
 Committee  and   the  Medical  Benefit  Council  shall  be  filled  by
 1*[appointment]  or election, as the case may be.
 
      (2) A  member of  the Corporation,  the Standing Committee or the
 Medical Benefit  Council 1*[appointed]   or  elected to  fill a casual
 vacancy shall hold office only so long as the member in whose place he
 is 1*[appointed]   or  elected would have been entitled to hold office
 if the vacancy had not occurred.
 
  
 15.
  
 Fees and allowances.
  
 
      15. Fees and allowances.-Members of the Corporation, the Standing
 Committee and  the Medical Benefit Council shall receive such fees and
 allowances as  may from  time to  time be  prescribed by  the  Central
 Government.
 
  
 16.
  
 Principal Officers.      16. Principal Officers.- 2*[(1) The Central 
Governmen may, inconsultation with  the Corporation,  appoint    a   Director
 Generaland   a   Financial Commissioner.]     (2
  
 
  
 17.
  
 Staff.
  
 
      17. Staff.- (1) The  Corporation may  employ such  other staff of
 officers  and   servants  as   may  be  necessary  for  the  efficient
 transaction of  its business provided that the sanction of the Central
 Government shall  be obtained  for the  creation of  any  post  3*[the
 maximum monthly  salary of  which  4*[exceeds  such salary  as may  be
 prescribed by the Central Government.]
 
      5*[(2)  (a)  The method  of recruitment,  salary and  allowances,
 discipline and other conditions of service of the members of the staff
 of  the  Corporation  shall  be  such  as  may  be  specified  in  the
 regulations made  by the  Corporation in accordance with the rules and
 orders applicable  to  the  officers  and  employees  of  the  Central
 Government drawing corresponding scales of pay:
 
      Provided that  where the Corporation is of the opinion that it is
 necessary to make a departure from the said rules or orders in respect
 of any of the matters aforesaid, it shall obtain the prior approval of
 the Central Government.
 
      (b) In determining the corresponding scales of pay of the members
 of the  staff under  clause (a),  the Corporation shall have regard to
 the educational  qualifications, method  of  recruitment,  duties  and
 responsibilities of  such officers  and employees  under  the  Central
 Government and  in case  of any doubt, the Corporation shall refer the
 matter to  the Central  Government whose  decision  thereon  shall  be
 final.]
 
      (3)  Every  appointment  to  6*[posts   7*[(other   than  medical
 posts)] corresponding  to 8*[group   A and  group B]  posts under  the
 Central Government]  shall be  made in consultation with the 9*[Union]
 Public Service Commission:
 
      Provided that  this sub-section shall not apply to an officiating
 or temporary appointment for 10*[a period] not exceeding one year:
 
      11*[Provided  further  that any  such  officiating  or  temporary
 appointment shall not confer any claim for regular appointment and the
 services rendered  in that  capacity shall not count towards seniority
 or  minimum  qualifying  service  specified  in  the  regulations  for
 promotion to next higher grade.]
 
      12*[(4) If any question  arises whether  a post  corresponds to a
 8*[Group A  and Group  B]  post  under  the  Central  Government,  the
 question shall  be referred  to that Government whose decision thereon
 shall be final.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  6 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.  Ins. by Act 44 of 1966. s. 10 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 3.  Subs. by  Act 38  of 1975,  s. 3,  for certain words (w.e.f. 1-9-
     1975).
 4.  Subs.  by s. Act 29 of 1989, s. 7  (w.e.f........).
 5.  Subs.  by s.  7 ibid.  (w.e.f. 8-1-1989).
 6.  Subs. by  Act 44  of 1966,  s. 11,  for "posts carrying a maximum
     monthly pay of five hundred rupees and above" (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 7.  Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s.  7 (w.e.f.  16-5-1990).
 8.  Subs.  by Act 45 of 1984, s.  3 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 9.  Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for "Federal".
 10. Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s.  7 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 11. Ins by s. 7, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 12. Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 11 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
 
 234C
 
  
 18.
  
 Powers of the Standing Committee.
  
 
      18. Powers of the Standing Committee.- (1) Subject to the general
 superintendence and control of the Corporation, the Standing Committee
 shall administer  the affairs  of the Corporation and may exercise any
 of the powers and perform any of the functions of the Corporation.
 
      (2) The Standing Committee shall submit for the consideration and
 decision of  the Corporation  all such  cases and  matters as  may  be
 specified in the regulations made in this behalf.
 
      (3) The  Standing Committee  may, in  its discretion,  submit any
 other case or matter for the decision of the Corporation.
 
  
 19.
  
 Corporations power  to promote  measures for  health, etc., of 
insured persons.
  
 
      19. Corporations  power to  promote measures for health, etc., of
 insured persons.-  The Corporation may, in  addition to  the scheme of
 benefits specified  in this  Act, promote measures for the improvement
 of  the   health  and   welfare  of   insured  persons   and  for  the
 rehabilitation and  re-employment of  insured persons  who  have  been
 disabled or  injured  and  may  incur  in  respect  of  such  measures
 expenditure from  the funds  of the  Corporation within such limits as
 may be prescribed by the Central Government.
 
  
 20.
  
 Meetings  of  Corporation,  Standing  Committee  and  Medical  
Benefit Council.
  
 
      20. Meetings  of  Corporation,  Standing  Committee  and  Medical
 Benefit Council.- Subject to  any  rules  made  under  this  Act,  the
 Corporation, the  Standing Committee  and the  Medical Benefit Council
 shall meet  at such  times and  places and shall observe such rules or
 procedure in  regard to  transaction of  business at their meetings as
 may be specified in the regulations made in this behalf.
 
 235
 
  
 21.
  
 Supersession of the Corporation, and Standing Committee.
  
 
      21. Supersession of the Corporation, and Standing Committee.- (1)
 If in  the opinion  of the  Central Government, the Corporation or the
 Standing Committee persistently makes default in performing the duties
 imposed on  it by  or under  this  Act  or  abuses  its  powers,  that
 Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, supersede the
 Corporation, or  in the  case of the Standing Committee, supersede, in
 consultation with the Corporation, the Standing Committee:
 
      Provided that  before issuing  a  notification  under  this  sub-
 section the  Central Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to
 the Corporation or the Standing Committee, as the case may be, to show
 cause  why  it  should  not  be  superseded  and  shall  consider  the
 explanations and  objections,  if  any,  of  the  Corporation  or  the
 Standing Committee, as the case may be.
 
      (2) Upon  the publication of a notification under sub-section (1)
 superseding the Corporation or the Standing Committee, all the members
 of the  Corporation or  the Standing  Committee, as  the case  may be,
 shall, as from the date of such publication, be deemed to have vacated
 their offices.
 
      (3) When  the Standing  Committee  has  been  superseded,  a  new
 Standing Committee shall be immediately constituted in accordance with
 section 8.
 
      (4)  When  the  Corporation  has  been  superseded,  the  Central
 Government may--
 
           (a) immediately 1*[appoint]  or cause to be 1*[appointed]
                new members  to  the  Corporation  in  accordance  with
                section 4  and may  constitute a new Standing Committee
                under section 8;
 
           (b) in  its discretion, appoint such agency, for such period
                as it may think fit, to exercise the powers and perform
                the functions  of the Corporation and such agency shall
                be competent to exercise all the powers and perform all
                the functions of the Corporation.
 
      (5) The  Central Government  shall cause  a full  report  of  any
 action taken  under this section and the circumstances leading to such
 action to  be laid  before 2*[Parliament]  at the earliest opportunity
 and in  any case  not later  than three  months from  the date  of the
 notification superseding the Corporation or the Standing Committee, as
 the case may be.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 4 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 2.  Subs.  by the A.  O.  1950 for "the Central Legislature".
 
 
 236
 
  
 22.
  
 Duties of Medical Benefit Council.
  
 
      22. Duties  of  Medical  Benefit  Council.- The  Medical  Benefit
 Council shall--
 
           (a) advise 1*[the Corporation and the Standing Committee] on
                matters  relating  to  the  administration  of  medical
                benefit, the certification for purposes of the grant of
                benefits and other connected matters;
 
           (b) have  such powers  and duties of investigation as may be
                prescribed in  relation to  complaints against  medical
                practitioners in  connection with medical treatment and
                attendance; and
 
           (c) perform  such other  duties in  connection with  medical
                treatment and  attendance as  may be  specified in  the
                regulations.
 
  
 23.
  
 Duties of Principal Officers.
  
 
      23. Duties of Principal Officers.-The 2*[Director General and the
 Financial Commissioner]  shall exercise such powers and discharge such
 duties as  may be  prescribed. They  shall  also  perform  such  other
 functions as may be specified in the regulations.
 
  
 24.
  
 Acts of  Corporation,  etc.,  not  invalid  by  reason  of  defect
 inconstitution, etc.
  
 
      24. Acts of Corporation, etc., not invalid by reason of defect in
 constitution, etc.-  No act of the Corporation, the Standing Committee
 or the Medical Benefit Council shall be deemed to be invalid by reason
 of any  defect in  the constitution  of the  Corporation, the Standing
 Committee or  the Medical  Benefit Council,  or on the ground that any
 member thereof  was not  entitled to  hold or  continue in  office  by
 reason  of   any  disqualification  or  of  any  irregularity  in  his
 3*[appointment] or election, or by reason of such act having been done
 during the  period of  any vacancy  in the office of any member of the
 Corporation, the Standing Committee or the Medical Benefit Council.
 
  
 25.
  
 Regional Boards,  Local Committees, Regional and Local Medical 
Benefit Councils.
  
 
      25. Regional Boards, Local Committees, Regional and Local Medical
 Benefit Councils.- The Corporation  may appoint Regional Boards, Local
 Committees and  Regional and  Local Medical  Benefit Councils  in such
 areas and  in such  manner, and  delegate  to  them  such  powers  and
 functions, as may be provided by the regulations.
 
  
 CHAP
  
 FINANCE AND AUDIT
  
 
                              CHAPTER III
 
                           FINANCE AND AUDIT
 
  
 26.
  
 Employees' State Insurance Fund.
  
 
      26. Employees' State Insurance  Fund.- (1) All contributions paid
 under this  Act and  all  other  moneys  received  on  behalf  of  the
 Corporation shall  be paid  into a  fund called  the Employees'  State
 Insurance Fund which shall be
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 9, for "the Corporation, the Standing
      Committee and the Medical Commissioner".
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989 s. 8 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by s. 4 ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 237
 
 held and administered by the Corporation for the purposes of this Act.
 
      (2) The  Corporation may  accept grants, donations and gifts from
 the Central  or any  State Government,  1*** local  authority, or  any
 individual or  body whether incorporated or not, for all or any of the
 purposes of this Act.
 
      2*[(3) Subject  to the other provisions contained in this Act and
 to any  rules or  regulations made in this behalf, all moneys accruing
 or payable  to the  said Fund  shall be  paid into the Reserve Bank of
 India or  such other bank as may be approved by the Central Government
 to the credit of an account styled the account of the Employees' State
 Insurance Fund.]
 
      (4) Such  account shall be operated on by such officers as may be
 authorized  by  the  Standing  Committee  with  the  approval  of  the
 Corporation.
 
  
 27.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
      27. [Grant  by the  Central Government.]- Rep. by  the Employees'
 State Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1966 (44 of 1966) s. 12 (w.e.f. 17-6-
 1967).
 
  
 28.
  
 Purposes for which the Fund may be expended.
  
 
      28. Purposes  for which the Fund may be expended.- Subject to the
 provisions of this Act and of any rules made by the Central Government
 in that  behalf, the Employees' State Insurance Fund shall be expended
 only for the following purposes, namely:--
 
           (i) payment  of benefits  and provision of medical treatment
                and  attendance  to  insured  persons  and,  where  the
                medical benefit  is extended  to  their  families,  the
                provision of such medical benefit to their families, in
                accordance  with   the  provisions   of  this  Act  and
                defraying  the   charges  and   costs   in   connection
                therewith;
 
           (ii) payment  of fees  and  allowances  to  members  of  the
                Corporation, the  Standing Committee  and  the  Medical
                Benefit Council,  the Regional Boards, Local Committees
                and Regional and Local Medical Benefit Councils;
 
           (iii)  payment   of  salaries,   leave  and   joining   time
                allowances,  travelling  and  compensatory  allowances,
                gratuities  and   compassionate  allowances,  pensions,
                contributions to  provident or  other benefit  fund  of
                officers and  servants of  the Corporation  and meeting
                the  expenditure   in  respect  of  offices  and  other
                services set up for the purpose of giving effect to the
                provisions of this Act;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   The words "Part B State" omitted by Act 53 of 1951, s. 10.
 2.   Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for sub-section (3).
 
 238
 
           (iv)   establishment    and   maintenance    of   hospitals,
                dispensaries and  other institutions  and the provision
                of medical and other ancillary services for the benefit
                of insured  persons and,  where the  medical benefit is
                extended to their families, their families;
 
           (v) payment of contributions to any  State Government,  1***
                local authority  or any  private  body  or  individual,
                towards the  cost of  medical treatment  and attendance
                provided to  insured persons  and,  where  the  medical
                benefit is  extended to  their families, their families
                including the  cost of  any building  and equipment, in
                accordance with  any  agreement  entered  into  by  the
                Corporation;
 
           (vi) defraying the cost (including all expenses) of auditing
                the accounts of the Corporation and of the valuation of
                its assets and liabilities;
 
           (vii) defraying  the cost  (including all  expenses) of  the
                Employees' Insurance Courts set up under this Act;
 
           (viii) payment  of any  sums under any contract entered into
                for the  purposes of this Act by the Corporation or the
                Standing Committee or by any officer duly authorized by
                the Corporation  or  the  Standing  Committee  in  that
                behalf;
 
           (ix) payment of sums under any decree, order or award of any
                Court or Tribunal against the Corporation or any of its
                officers or  servants for any act done in the execution
                of his  duty or under a compromise or settlement of any
                suit or  other legal  proceeding or claim instituted or
                made against the Corporation;
 
           (x) defraying  the cost  and other charges of instituting or
                defending any civil or criminal proceedings arising out
                of any action taken under this Act;
 
           (xi) defraying expenditure, within the limits prescribed, on
                measures for  the improvement of the health and welfare
                of insured  persons and  for the rehabilitation and re-
                employment of insured persons who have been disabled or
                injured; and
 
           (xii) such  other purposes  as  may  be  authorized  by  the
                Corporation with  the previous  approval of the Central
                Government.
 
  
 28A.
  
 Administrative expenses.
  
 
      2*[28A. Administrative expenses.- The types of expenses which may
 be termed  as administrative expenses and the percentage of the income
 of the  Corporation which may be spent for such expenses shall be such
 as may  be prescribed  by the  Central Government  and the Corporation
 shall keep  its administrative expenses within the limit so prescribed
 by the Central Government.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   The words and letter "Part B State" omitted by Act 53 of 1951, s.
      11.
 2.   Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 9 (w.e.f........).
 
 239
 
  
 29.
  
 Holding of property, etc.
  
 
      29. Holding of property, etc.-(1) The Corporation may, subject to
 such conditions  as may  be  prescribed  by  the  Central  Government,
 acquire  and  hold  property  both  movable  and  immovable,  sell  or
 otherwise transfer  any movable  or immovable  property which may have
 become vested  in or  have been  acquired by  it  and  do  all  things
 necessary for the purposes for which the Corporation is established.
 
      (2) Subject  to such  conditions as  may  be  prescribed  by  the
 Central Government,  the Corporation  may from time to time invest any
 moneys which  are  not  immediately  required  for  expenses  properly
 defrayable under  this Act and may, subject as aforesaid, from time to
 time re-invest or realise such investments.
 
      (3) The  Corporation may,  with  the  previous  sanction  of  the
 Central Government  and on such terms as may be prescribed by it raise
 loans and take measures for discharging such loans.
 
      (4) The  Corporation may  constitute for the benefit of its staff
 or any  class of  them, such provident or other benefit fund as it may
 think fit.
 
  
 30.
  
 Vesting of the property in the Corporation.
  
 
      30. Vesting  of the  property in the Corporation.- All  property
 acquired before the establishment of the Corporation shall vest in the
 Corporation and  all income  derived and  expenditure incurred in this
 behalf shall be brought into the books of the Corporation.
 
  
 31.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
       31. [Expenditure by  Central Government   to  be  treated  as  a
 loan.]-Rep. by the Employees' State Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1966 (44
 of 1966). s. 12 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
  
 32.
  
 Budget estimates.
  
 
      32. Budget estimates.- The Corporation shall in each year frame a
 budget showing  the probable  receipts and  the expenditure  which  it
 proposes to incur during the following year and shall submit a copy of
 the budget for the approval of the Central Government before such date
 as may  be fixed  by it  in that  behalf.  The  budget  shall  contain
 provisions adequate  in the  opinion of the Central Government for the
 discharge of  the liabilities  incurred by the Corporation and for the
 maintenance of a working balance.
 
  
 33.
  
 Accounts.
  
 
      33. Accounts.- The Corporation shall maintain correct accounts of
 its income  and expenditure  in such form and in such manner as may be
 prescribed by the Central Government.
 
  
 34.
  
 Audit.
  
 
      1*[34. Audit.- (1) The  accounts  of  the  Corporation  shall  be
 audited annually  by the  Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and
 any expenditure incurred by him in connection with such audit shall be
 payable by  the Corporation  to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
 India.
 
      (2) The  Comptroller and  Auditor-General of India and any person
 appointed by  him in  connection with the audit of the accounts of the
 Corporation shall have the same rights and privileges and authority in
 connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General has,
 in  connection   with  the   audit  of  Government  accounts  and,  in
 particular, shall  have the  right to  demand the production of books,
 accounts, connected  vouchers and  other documents  and papers  and to
 inspect any of the offices of the Corporation.
 
      (3)  The   accounts  of  the  Corporation  as  certified  by  the
 Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or any other person appointed
 by him  in this behalf together with the audit report thereon shall be
 forwarded to  the Corporation  which shall  forward the  same  to  the
 Central Government  along with  its comments  on  the  report  of  the
 Comptroller and Auditor-General.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 10 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 240
 
  
 35.
  
 Annual report.
  
 
      35. Annual report.- The  Corporation shall  submit to the Central
 Government an annual report of its work and activities.
 
  
 36.
  
 Budget audited  accounts and  the annual  report to  be placed  before
Parliament
  
 
      36. Budget  audited accounts  and the  annual report to be placed
 before Parliament.- The annual  report, the  audited accounts  of  the
 Corporation 1*[together  with the 2*[the report of the Comptroller and
 Auditor-General of  India thereon  and the comments of the Corporation
 on such  report] under  section 34], and the budget as finally adopted
 by the Corporation shall be placed before 3*[Parliament] 4***.
 
  
 37.
  
 Valuation of assets and liabilities
  
 
      37. Valuation of assets  and liabilities.- The Corporation shall,
 at intervals  of five  years, have  a  valuation  of  its  assets  and
 liabilities made  by a  valuer appointed  with  the  approval  of  the
 Central Government:
 
      Provided that  it shall  be open  to the  Central  Government  to
 direct a  valuation to  be made at such other times as it may consider
 necessary.
 
  
 CHAP
  
 CONTRIBUTIONS
  
 
                               CHAPTER IV
 
                             CONTRIBUTIONS
 
  
 38.
  
 All employees to be insured.
  
 
      38. All  employees to  be insured.- Subject to  the provisions of
 this Act,  all employees  in factories or establishments to which this
 Act applies shall be insured in the manner provided by this Act.
 
  
 39.
  
 Contributions.
  
 
      39. Contributions.-(1) The contribution payable under this Act in
 respect of  an employee  shall comprise  contribution payable  by  the
 employer (hereinafter  referred to as the employer's contribution) and
 contribution payable  by the  employee (hereinafter referred to as the
 employee's contribution) and shall be paid to the Corporation.
 
      5*[(2) The  contributions shall  be paid  at such rates as may be
 prescribed by the Central Government:
 
      Provided that  the rates so prescribed shall not be more than the
 rates which  were in  force immediately before the commencement of the
 Employees' State Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1989 (29 of 1989).]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 13 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s.  11 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "the Central Legislature"
 4.   Omitted by Act 29 of 1989 s. 11 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989)
 5.   Subs. by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f........).
 
 241
 
      1*[(3) The   wage period  in relation to an employee shall be the
 unit in respect of which all contributions shall be payable under this
 Act.]
 
      (4) The  contributions payable in respect of each 1*[wage period]
 shall ordinarily  full due  on the last day of the 1*[wage period] and
 where an  employee is  employed for  part of the 1*[wage period] or is
 employed under  two or  more employers during the same 1*[wage period]
 the contributions  shall fall  due on such days as may be specified in
 the regulations.
 
      2*[(5) (a) If any contribution payable under this Act is not paid
 by the  principal employer  on the date on which such contribution has
 become due  he shall  be liable  to pay simple interest at the rate of
 twelve per  cent. per annum or at such higher rate as may be specified
 in the regulations till the date of its actual payment:
 
      Provided that  higher interest specified in the regulations shall
 not exceed the lending rate of interest charged by any scheduled bank.
 
      (b) Any interest recoverable under clause (a) may be recovered as
 an arrear of land revenue or under section 45C to section 45-I.
 
      Explanation.-In this  sub-section, "scheduled  bank" means a bank
 for the time being included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank
 of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934).]
 
  
 40.
  
 Principal employer to pay contributions in the first instance.
  
 
      40.  Principal   employer  to  pay  contributions  in  the  first
 instance.- (1) The principal  employer shall  pay in  respect of every
 employee, whether  directly employed  by  him  or  by  or  through  an
 immediate  employer,   both  the   employer's  contribution   and  the
 employee's contribution.
 
      (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other enactment but
 subject to  the provisions  of this  Act and  the regulations, if any,
 made thereunder,  the principal  employer shall,  in the  case  of  an
 employee directly employed by him (not being an exempted employee), be
 entitled to  recover from  the employee the employee's contribution by
 deduction from his wages and not otherwise:
 
      Provided that  no such  deduction shall  be made  from any  wages
 other than  such as  relate to  the period  or part  of the  period in
 respect of  which the contribution is payable, or in excess of the sum
 representing the employee's contribution for the period.
 
      (3) Notwithstanding  any contract  to the  contrary, neither  the
 principal employer  nor the  immediate employer  shall be  entitled to
 deduct the  employer's contribution  from  any  wages  payable  to  an
 employee or otherwise to recover it from him.
 
      (4) Any  sum deducted  by the principal employer from wages under
 this Act shall be deemed to have been entrusted to him by the employee
 for the  purpose of paying the contribution in respect of which it was
 deducted.
 
      (5) The  principal employer  shall bear the expenses of remitting
 the contributions to the Corporation.
 
  
 41.
  
 Recovery of contribution from immediate employer.
  
 
      41. Recovery of  contribution  from  immediate  employe.-  (1)  A
 principal employer,  who  has  paid  contribution  in  respect  of  an
 employee employed  by or  through  an  immediate  employer,  shall  be
 entitled to recover the amount of the contribution so paid (that is to
 say  the   employer's  contribution   as  well   as   the   employee's
 contribution, if any) from the immediate employer, either by deduction
 from any amount payable
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 45 of 1984, s. 4 (w.e.f. 27-1-1985).
 2.   Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 12 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 242
 
 to him  by the  principal employer  under any  contract, or  as a debt
 payable by the immediate employer.
 
      1*[(1A)  The  immediate employer  shall maintain  a  register  of
 employees employed  by or  through him  as provided in the regulations
 and submit the same to the principal employer before the settlement of
 any amount payable under sub-section (1).]
 
      (2) In  the case  referred to  in sub-section  (1), the immediate
 employee shall be entitled to recover the employee's contribution from
 the employee  employed by  or through  him by deduction from wages and
 not otherwise,  subject to  the conditions specified in the proviso to
 sub-section (2) of section 40.
 
      2*            *                *               *                *
 
  
 42.
  
 General provisions as topayment of contributions.
  
 
      42. General  provisions as  topayment  of contributions.- (1)  No
 employee's contribution  shall be  payable  by  or  on  behalf  of  an
 employee whose average daily wages 3*[during a wage period are below]
 4*[such wages as may be prescribed by the Central Government].
 
      Explanation.--The average  daily wages  of an  employee shall  be
 calculated 4*[in   such  manner  as may  be prescribed  by the Central
 Government.]
 
      (2)  Contribution  (both  the  employer's  contribution  and  the
 employee's contribution)  shall be  payable by  the principal employer
 for each  3*[wage period]  5*[in respect of the whole or part of which
 wages are payable to the employee and not otherwise].
 
      6*             *               *                  *             *
 
      7*             *               *                  *             *
 
  
 43.
  
 Method of payment of contribution.
  
 
      43. Method of payment of contributions.-Subject to the provisions
 of this  Act, the  Corporation may  make regulations  for  any  matter
 relating or  incidental to the payment and collection of contributions
 payable under  this     Act and without prejudice to the generality of
 the foregoing power such regulations may provide for--
 
           (a) the manner and time of payment of contributions;
 
           (b) the  payment of  contributions by  means of  adhesive or
                other stamps  affixed to or impressed upon books, cards
                or otherwise  and  regulating  the  manner,  times  and
                conditions in,  at and  under which, such stamps are to
                be affixed or impressed;
 
           8*[(bb) the  date by  which evidence of contributions having
                been paid is to be received by the Corporation;]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  13 (w.e.f.  ...........).
 2.   Explanation omitted by Act 44 of 1966, s. 14 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   Subs. by Act 45 of 1984, s.  5 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 4.   Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  14 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 5.   Subs. by Act 46 of 1966, s. 15, for "during the whole or part of
      which an employee is employed" (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 6.   omitted by Act 45 of 1984, s. 5 (w.e.f. 27-1-1985).
 7.   Sub-sections (4)  and (5)  omitted by Act 44 of 1966, s. 15 (w.e.
       f. 28-1- 1968).
 8.   Ins. by  s. 16, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 243
 
           (c) the  entry in  or upon  books or cards of particulars of
                contributions paid and benefits distributed in the case
                of the  insured persons  to whom  such books  or  cards
                relate; and
 
           (d) the  issue, sale,  custody, production,  inspection  and
                delivery of books or cards and the replacement of books
                or cards which have been lost, destroyed or defaced.
 
  
 44.
  
 Employers to furnish returns and maintain registers in certain cases.
  
 
      1*[44. Employers  to furnish  returns and  maintain registers  in
 certain cases.-(1) Every principal and immediate employer shall submit
 to the  Corporation or  to such  officer of  the Corporation as it may
 direct such  returns in  such form  and  containing  such  particulars
 relating to persons employed by him or to any factory or establishment
 in respect  of which  he is the principal or immediate employer as may
 be specified in regulations made in this behalf.
 
      (2)  Where  in  respect  of  any  factory  or  establishment  the
 Corporation has  reason to  believe that  a return  should  have  been
 submitted under  sub-section (1)  but has  not been  so submitted, the
 Corporation may  require any  person  in  charge  of  the  factory  or
 establishment to furnish such particulars as it may consider necessary
 for the  purpose of  enabling the  Corporation to  decide whether  the
 factory or  establishment is  a factory or establishment to which this
 Act applies.
 
      (3) Every  principal and  immediate employer  shall maintain such
 registers or records in respect of his factory or establishment as may
 be required by regulations made in this behalf.]
 
  
 45.
  
 Inspectors, their functions and duties.
  
 
      45. Inspectors, their functions  and duties.- (1) The Corporation
 may appoint  such persons  as inspectors,  as it  thinks fit,  for the
 purposes of  this Act,  within such  local limits  as it may assign to
 them.
 
      (2) Any  Inspector appointed by the Corporation under sub-section
 (1) (hereinafter  referred to  as Inspector), or other official of the
 Corporation authorized  in this  behalf by it may, for the purposes of
 enquiring into the correctness of any of the particulars stated in any
 return referred  to in  section 44  or for the purpose of ascertaining
 whether any of the provisions of this Act has been complied with--
 
           (a) require  any principal  or immediate employer to furnish
                to him  such information  as he  may consider necessary
                for the purposes of this Act; or
 
           (b) at  any reasonable time enter any office, establishment,
                factory or other premises occupied by such principal or
                immediate
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 12, for the former section.
 
 244
 
                employer and require any person found in charge thereof
                to produce  to such  Inspector or  other  official  and
                allow him  to examine  such accounts,  books and  other
                documents relating  to the  employment of  persons  and
                payment of  wages or to furnish to him such information
                as he may consider necessary; or
 
           (c) examine,  with respect  to any  matter relevant  to  the
                purposes  aforesaid,   the   principal   or   immediate
                employer, his  agent or servant, or any person found in
                such factory,  establishment, office or other premises,
                or any person whom the said inspector or other official
                has reasonable  cause to  believe to be or to have been
                an employee;
 
           1*[(d) make  copies of, or take extracts from, any register,
                     account book  or other document maintained in such
                     factory, establishment, office or other premises;
 
           (e) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed.]
 
      (3) An  Inspector shall  exercise such functions and perform such
 duties as  may be authorized by the Corporation or as may be specified
 in the regulations.
 
  
 45A.
  
 Determination of contributions in certain cases
  
 
      2*[45A. Determination of contributions in certain cases. (1) Where
 in respect  of a  factory or  establishment no  returns,  particulars,
 registers  or  records  are  submitted,  furnished  or  maintained  in
 accordance with the provisions of section 44 or any Inspector or other
 official of  the Corporation referred to in sub-section (2) of section
 45 is  3*[prevented in  any manner]  by  the  principal  or  immediate
 employer  or   any  other  person,  in  exercising  his  functions  or
 discharging his  duties under  section 45, the Corporation may, on the
 basis of  information available  to it, by order, determine the amount
 of contributions  payable in  respect of the employees of that factory
 or establishment;
 
      4*[Provided   that   no  such   order  shall  be  passed  by  the
 Corporation unless  the principal  or immediate employer or the person
 in charge  of the factory or establishment has been given a reasonable
 opportunity of being heard.]
 
      (2) An  order made by the Corporation under sub-section (1) shall
 be sufficient  proof of  the claim of the Corporation under section 75
 or for recovery of the amount determined by such order as an arrear of
 land revenue under section 45B 3*[or the recovery under section 45C to
 section 45-I].
 
  
 45B.
  
 Recovery of contributions.
  
 
      45B. Recovery  of contributions.- Any contribution  payable under
 this Act may be recovered as an arrear of land revenue.]
 
  
 45C.
  
 Issue of certificate to the Recovery Officer.
  
 
      5*[45C. Issue  of certificate to the Recovery Officer.- (1) Where
 any amount  is in  arrear under  this Act,  the authorised officer may
 issue, to  the Recovery  Officer, a  certificate under  his  signature
 specifying the  amount of arrears and the Recovery Officer, on receipt
 of such  certificate, shall  proceed to  recover the  amount specified
 therein from  the factory or establishment or, as the case may be, the
 principal or  immediate employer by one or more of the modes mentioned
 below:--
 
           (a) attachment and sale of the movable or immovable property
      of the  factory or  establishment or,  as the  case may  be,  the
      principal or immediate employer;
 
           (b) arrest of the employer and his detention in prison;
 
           (c) appointing  a receiver for the management of the movable
      or immovable  properties of  the factory  or establishment or, as
      the case may be, the employer:
 
      Provided that  the attachment and sale of any property under this
 section shall  first be effected against the properties of the factory
 or establishment  and where  such attachment  and sale is insufficient
 for recovering  the whole  of the  amount of  arrears specified in the
 certificate, the  Recovery Officer  may take  such proceedings against
 the property  of the employer for recovery of the whole or any part of
 such arrears.
 
      (2) The  authorised officer  may issue  a certificate  under sub-
 section (1)  notwithstanding that  proceedings  for  recovery  of  the
 arrears by any other mode have been taken.
 
  
 45D.
  
 Recovery officer to whom certificate is to be forwarded.
  
 
      45D. Recovery officer to whom certificate is to be forwarded.- (1)
 The authorised  officer may  forward the  certificate referred  to  in
 section 45C  to the  Recovery Officer  within whose  jurisdiction  the
 employer--
 
           (a) carries  on his  business or  profession or within whose
      jurisdiction the  principal place of his factory or establishment
      is situate; or
 
           (b) resides  or any  movable or  immovable property  of  the
      factory or  establishment or  the principal or immediate employer
      is situate.
 
      (2) Where  a factory  or an  establishment or  the  principal  or
 immediate employer  has property  within the jurisdiction of more than
 one Recovery  Officers and  the Recovery Officer to whom a certificate
 is sent by the authorised officer--
 
           (a) is  not able to recover the entire amount by the sale of
      the property, movable or immovable, within his jurisdiction; or
 
           (b) is of the opinion that, for the purpose of expediting or
      securing the  recovery of the whole or any part of the amount, it
      is necessary so to do,
 
 he may  send the certificate or, where only a part of the amount is to
 be recovered,  a copy  of the  certificate  certified  in  the  manner
 prescribed by  the Central  Government and specifying the amount to be
 recovered to  the  Recovery  Officer  within  whose  jurisdiction  the
 factory or  establishment or  the principal  or immediate employer has
 property or  the employer resides, and thereupon that Recovery Officer
 shall also  proceed to recover the amount due under this section as if
 the certificate  or the  copy thereof had been the certificate sent to
 him by the authorised officer.
 
  
 45E.
  
 Validity of certificate and amendment thereof.
  
 
      45E. Validity  of certificate and amendment thereof.-(1) When the
 authorised officer  issues a  certificate to  a Recovery Officer under
 section 45C,  it shall  not be open to the factory or establishment or
 the principal  or immediate  employer to  dispute before  the Recovery
 Officer the  correctness of  the  amount,  and  no  objection  to  the
 certificate on  any other  ground shall  also be  entertained  by  the
 Recovery Officer.
 
      (2) Notwithstanding  the issue  of a  certificate to  a  Recovery
 Officer, the  authorised officer  shall have  power  to  withdraw  the
 certificate or  correct any  clerical or  arithmetical mistake  in the
 certificate by sending an intimation to the Recovery Officer.
 
      (3) The authorised officer shall intimate to the Recovery Officer
 any orders  withdrawing or  cancelling a certificate or any correction
 made by  him under  sub-section (2)  or any  amendment made under sub-
 section (4) of section 45F.
 
  
 45F.
  
 Stay of  proceedings under  certificate and  amendment  or  
withdrawal thereof.
  
 
      45F. Stay  of proceedings  under  certificate  and  amendment  or
 withdrawal thereof.- (1) Notwithstanding  that a  certificate has been
 issued to  the Recovery  Officer for  the recovery  of any amount, the
 authorised officer  may grant  time for the payment of the amount, and
 thereupon the  Recovery Officer  shall stay  the proceedings until the
 expiry of the time so granted.
 
      (2) Where  a certificate  for the  recovery of  amount  has  been
 issued,  the  authorised  officer  shall  keep  the  Recovery  Officer
 informed of any amount paid or time granted for payment, subsequent to
 the issue of such certificate.
 
      (3) Where the order giving rise to a demand of amount for which a
 certificate for  recovery has  been issued has been modified in appeal
 or other  proceedings under  this Act,  and, as a consequence thereof,
 the demand is reduced but the order is the subject-matter of a further
 proceeding under  this Act,  the authorised  officer  shall  stay  the
 recovery of  such part of the amount of the certificate as pertains to
 the said  reduction for  the period  for which  the  appeal  or  other
 proceeding remains pending.
 
      (4) Where  a certificate  for the  recovery of  amount  has  been
 issued and  subsequently the  amount  of  the  outstanding  demand  is
 reduced as  a result  of an appeal or other proceeding under this Act,
 the authorised  officer shall,  when the  order which was the subject-
 matter of  such appeal  or  other  proceeding  has  become  final  and
 conclusive, amend the certificate or withdraw it, as the case may be.
 
  
 45G.
  
 Other modes of recovery.
  
 
      45G. Other modes of recovery.- (1) Notwithstanding the issue of a
 certificate to  the Recovery  Officer under  section 45C, the Director
 General or any other officer authorised by the Corporation may recover
 the amount by any one or more of the modes provided in this section.
 
      (2) If  any amount  is due  from any  person to  any  factory  or
 establishment or,  as the  case may  be, the  principal  or  immediate
 employer who  is in arrears, the Director General or any other officer
 authorised by  the Corporation in this behalf may required such person
 to deduct  from the  said amount  the arrears due from such factory or
 establishment or,  as the  case may  be, the  principal  or  immediate
 employer under  this Act  and such  person shall  comply with any such
 requisition and  shall pay  the sum  so deducted  to the credit of the
 Corporation:
 
      Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any part
 of the  amount exempt  from attachment  in execution  of a decree of a
 civil court  under section 60 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908  (5
 of 1908).
 
      (3) (i)  The Director  General or any other officer authorised by
 the Corporation  in this behalf may, at any time or from time to time,
 by notice in writing, require any person from whom money is due or may
 become due to the factory or establishment or, as the case may be, the
 principal or  immediate employer  or  any  person  who  holds  or  may
 subsequently  hold   money  for  or  on  account  of  the  factory  or
 establishment or,  as the  case may  be, the  principal  or  immediate
 employer, to  pay to  the Director  General either  forthwith upon the
 money becoming due or being held or at or within the time specified in
 the notice (not being before the money becomes due or is held) so much
 of the  money as  is sufficient to pay the amount due from the factory
 or establishment  or, as  the case  may be, the principal or immediate
 employer in  respect of  arrears or  the whole of the money when it is
 equal to or less than that amount.
 
      (ii) A  notice under this sub-section may be issued to any person
 who holds  or may subsequently hold any money for or on account of the
 principal or  immediate employer jointly with any other person and for
 the purposes  of this  sub-section, the shares of the joint-holders in
 such account  shall be  presumed, until  the contrary is proved, to be
 equal.
 
      (iii) A copy of the notice shall be forwarded to the principal or
 immediate employer  at his  last address known to the Director General
 or, as the case may be, the officer so authorised and in the case of a
 joint account  to all  the joint-holders at their last addresses known
 to the Director General or the officer so authorised.
 
      (iv) Save as otherwise provided in this sub-section, every person
 to whom  a notice  is issued  under this sub-section shall be bound to
 comply with  such notice, and, in particular, where any such notice is
 issued to a post office, bank or an insurer, it shall not be necessary
 for any pass book, deposit receipt, policy or any other document to be
 produced for  the purpose  of any entry, endorsement or the like being
 made before  payment is  made notwithstanding  any rule,  practice  or
 requirement to the contrary.
 
      (v) Any  claim respecting  any property  in relation  to which  a
 notice under  this sub-section  has been issued arising after the date
 of the  notice shall  be void  as against  any demand contained in the
 notice.
 
      (vi) Where  a person  to whom  a notice under this sub-section is
 sent objects to it by a statement on oath that the sum demanded or any
 part thereof is not due to the principal or immediate employer or that
 he does  not hold  any money  for or  on account  of the  principal or
 immediate employer,  then, nothing contained in this sub-section shall
 be deemed  to require such person to pay any such sum or part thereof,
 as the  case may  be, but  if it is discovered that such statement was
 false in  any material  particular, such  person shall  be  personally
 liable to  the Director  General or  the officer  so authorised to the
 extent of  his own liability to the principal or immediate employer on
 the date of the notice, or to the extent of the principal or immediate
 employer's liability  for any  sum due  under this  Act, whichever  is
 less.
 
      (vii) The  Director General  or the officer so authorised may, at
 any time or from time to time, amend or revoke any notice issued under
 this sub-section  or  extend  the  time  for  making  any  payment  in
 pursuance of such notice.
 
      (viii) The  Director General  or the  officer so authorised shall
 grant a receipt for any amount paid in compliance with a notice issued
 under this  sub-section and  the  person  so  paying  shall  be  fully
 discharged from  his liability  to the principal or immediate employer
 to the extent of the amount so paid.
 
      (ix) Any  person discharging  any liability  to the  principal or
 immediate employer  after the  receipt of  a notice  under  this  sub-
 section shall  be personally  liable to  the Director  General or  the
 officer so  authorised to  the extent  of his  own  liability  to  the
 principal or  immediate employer so discharged or to the extent of the
 principal or immediate employer's liability for any sum due under this
 Act, whichever is less.
 
      (x) If the person to whom a notice under this sub-section is sent
 fails to  make payment in pursuance thereof to the Director General or
 the officer  so authorised,  he shall  be deemed  to be a principal or
 immediate employer  in default  in respect  of the amount specified in
 the notice  and further  proceedings may  be taken against him for the
 realisation of  the amount as if it were an arrear due from him in the
 manner provided  in sections  45C to 45F and the notice shall have the
 same effect  as an  attachment of  a debt  by the  Recovery Officer in
 exercise of his powers under section 45C.
 
      (4) The  Director  General  or  the  officer  authorised  by  the
 Corporation in  this behalf  may apply  to the  court in whose custody
 there is  money belonging  to the  principal or immediate employer for
 payment to  him of  the entire  amount of such money, or if it is more
 than the amount due, an amount sufficient to discharge the amount due.
 
      (5) The  Director General  or any officer of the Corporation may,
 if so  authorised by  the Central  Government by  general  or  special
 order, recover  any arrears  of  amount  due  from  a  factory  or  an
 establishment or,  as the case may be, from the principal or immediate
 employer by  distraint and  sale of its or his movable property in the
 manner laid down in the Third Schedule to the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43
 of 1961).
 
  
 45H.
  
 Application of certain provisions of the Income-tax Act.
  
 
      45H. Application of certain provisions of the Income-tax Act.-The
 provisions of  the Second  and Third  Schedules to the Income-tax Act,
 1961 (43 of 1961) and  the Income-tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rules,
 1962,  as  in  force  from  time  to  time, shall apply with necessary
 modifications as if the said provisions and the rules referred to  the
 arrears  of  the  amount  of contributions, interests or damages under
 this Act instead of to the income-tax:
 
 Provided that any reference in the said provisions and the rules
 to the "assesses" shall be construed as a reference to a factory or an
 establishment or the principal or immediate employer under this Act.
 
  
 45I.
  
 Definitions.
  
 
      45-I. Definitions.- For the purposes of sections 45C to 45H,--
 
           (a)  "authorised   officer"  means   the  Director  General,
      Insurance Commissioner,  Joint Insurance  Commissioner,  Regional
      Director or  such other  officer as  may  be  authorised  by  the
      Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette;
 
           (b) "Recovery  Officer" means  any officer  of  the  Central
      Government, State  Government or  the  Corporation,  who  may  be
      authorised by  the Central  Government, by  notification  in  the
      Official Gazette,  to exercise  the powers  of a Recovery Officer
      under this Act.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 13.
 2.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 17 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 3.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 15 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 4.   Added by s. 16, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 5.    Ins. by s. 16, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-9-1991).
 
 245
 
  
 CHAP
  
 BENEFITS
  
 
                               CHAPTER V
 
                                BENEFITS
 
  
 46.
  
 Benefits
  
 
      46. Benefits.- (1) Subject to the  provisions of  this  Act,  the
 insured  persons   1*[their  dependants  or  the  persons  hereinafter
 mentioned, as  the case  may be,]  shall be  entitled to the following
 benefits, namely :--
 
           (a) periodical payments to any insured person in case of his
                sickness  certified   by  a   duly  appointed   medical
                practitioner 2*[or  by any other person possessing such
                qualifications and  experience as  the Corporation may,
                by regulations,  specify in  this behalf]  (hereinafter
                referred to as sickness benefit) ;
 
           3*[(b) periodical  payments to  an insured  woman in case of
                confinement or  mis-carriage or sickness arising out of
                pregnancy, confinement,  premature birth  of  child  or
                mis-carriage, such woman being certified to be eligible
                for such  payments by  an authority  specified in  this
                behalf by  the regulations  (hereinafter referred to as
                maternity benefit;)]
 
           (c) periodical  payments to an insured person suffering from
                disablement  as   a  result  of  an  employment  injury
                sustained as  an employee  under this Act and certified
                to be  eligible  for  such  payments  by  an  authority
                specified   in   this   behalf   by   the   regulations
                (hereinafter referred to as disablement benefit) ;
 
           (d) periodical  payments to  such dependants  of an  insured
                person who  dies as  a result  of an  employment injury
                sustained  as  an  employee  under  this  Act,  as  are
                entitled to  compensation under  this Act  (hereinafter
                referred to as dependants' benefit) ; 4***
 
           (e) medical  treatment for and attendance on insured persons
                (hereinafter referred to as medical benefit) ; 2*[and]
 
           2*[(f) payment  to the eldest surviving member of the family
                of  an   insured  person  who  has  died,  towards  the
                expenditure on  the funeral  of  the  deceased  insured
                person, or,  where the  insured person  did not  have a
                family or was not living with his family at the time of
                his   death,   to   the   person   who  actually incurs
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by  Act 44  of 1966,  s. 18,  for "or,  as the case may be,
      their dependents" (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 2.   Ins. by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   Subs. by s. 18, ibid., for cl. (b) (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.   The word "and" omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 246-247
 
                the expenditure  on the funeral of the deceased insured
                person (to be known as 1*[funeral expenses]) :
 
           Provided that  the amount  of such  payment shall not exceed
                2*[such  amount  as may  be prescribed  by the  Central
                Government]  and  the claim  for such  payment shall be
                made within  three months  of the  death of the insured
                persons  or   within  such   extended  period   as  the
                Corporation or  any officer  or authority authorised by
                it in this behalf may allow.]
 
      (2) The  Corporation may,  at  the  request  of  the  appropriate
 Government, and  subject to such conditions as may be laid down in the
 regulations, extend  the medical  benefits to the family of an insured
 person.
 
      8*          *                 *               *               *
 
  
 48.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
 
      48. [When  person deemed available for employment.]-  Rep. by the
 Employees' State  Insurance (Amendment)  Act, 1966 (44 of 1966), s. 20
 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
  
 49.
  
 Sickness benefit.
  
 
      4*[49. Sickness  benefit.- The qualification of a person to claim
 sickness benefit,  the conditions subject to which such benefit may be
 given, the rates and period thereof shall be such as may be prescribed
 by the Central Government.
 
  
 50.
  
 Maternity benefit.
  
 
      50. Maternity  benefit.- The qualification of an insured woman to
 claim maternity  benefit, the conditions subject to which such benefit
 may be  given, the  rates and  period thereof  shall be such as may be
 prescribed by the Central Government.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989 s. 17 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 2.   Subs. by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f..........).
 3.   Omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f........).
 4.   Subs. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f..........).
 
 248
 
  
 51.
  
 Disablement Benefit.
  
 
     1*[51. Disablement Benefit.- Subject to the provisions of this Act
 2***,--
 
           (a) a person who sustains temporary disablement for not less
                than three  days (excluding  the day of accident) shall
                be entitled  to periodical payment 3*[at such rates and
                for such  periods and subject to such conditions as may
                be prescribed by the Central Government] ;
 
           (b) a  person who  sustains permanent  disablement,  whether
                total of  partial,  shall  be  entitled  to  periodical
                payment 3*[at  such  rates  and  for  such  period  and
                subject to  such conditions as may be prescribed by the
                Central Government] :
 
           2*            *                  *            *            *
 
  
 51A.
  
 Presumption as to accident arising in course of employment.
  
 
      51A. Presumption as to accident arising in course of employment.-
 For the  purposes of this Act, an accident arising in the course of an
 insured person's  employment shall  be presumed,  in  the  absence  of
 evidence to the contrary, also to have arisen out of that employment.
 
  
 51B.
  
 Accidents happening while acting in breach of regulations, etc.
  
 
      51B. Accidents  happening while  acting in breach of regulations,
 etc.- An accident shall be deemed to arise out of and in the course of
 an insured  person's employment notwithstanding that he is at the time
 of the  accident acting  in contravention of the provisions of any law
 applicable to  him, or  of any  orders given  by or  on behalf  of his
 employer or  that he is acting without instructions from his employer,
 if--
 
           (a) the  accident would  have been  deemed so to have arisen
                had the act not been done in contravention as aforesaid
                or without  instructions from his employer, as the case
                may be; and
 
           (b) the  act is  done for  the purpose  of and in connection
                with the employer's trade or business.
 
  
 51C.
  
 Accidents happening while travelling in employer's transport.
  
 
      51C.  Accidents   happening  while   travelling   in   employer's
 transport.- (1) An accident happening while an insured person is, with
 the express  or implied  permission of  his employer,  travelling as a
 passenger by
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 23, for s. 51.
 2.   Omitted by Act 29 of 1989, s. 20 (w.e.f.........).
 3.   Subs. by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. .........).
 
 249
 
 any vehicle  to or  from his place of work shall, notwithstanding that
 he is  under no  obligation to his employer to travel by that vehicle,
 be deemed to arise out of and in the course of his employment, if--
 
           (a) the  accident would  have been  deemed so to have arisen
                had he been under such obligation; and
 
           (b) at the time of the accident, the vehicle--
 
                          (i) is  being operated by or on behalf of his
                     employer or  some  other  person  by  whom  it  is
                     provided in  pursuance of  arrangements made  with
                     his employer, and
 
                          (ii) is  not being  operated in  the ordinary
                     course of public transport service.
 
      (2) In this section "vehicle" includes a vessel and an aircraft.
 
  
 51D.
  
 Accidents happening while meeting emergency.
  
 
      51D. Accidents  happening while  meeting emergency.- An  accident
 happening to an insured person in or about any premises at which he is
 for the time being employed for the purpose of his employer's trade or
 business shall  be deemed  to arise  out of  and in  the course of his
 employment, if  it happens  while he  is taking steps, on an actual or
 supposed emergency  at those  premises, to  rescue, succour or protect
 persons who  are, or  are thought  to be or possibly to be, injured or
 imperilled, or to avert or minimise serious damage to property.]
 
  
 52.
  
 Dependants' benefit.
  
 
      1*[52. Dependants'  benefit.- (1) If an  insured person dies as a
 result of an employment injury sustained as an employee under this Act
 (whether or  not he  was in  receipt of  any  periodical  payment  for
 temporary disablement  in respect  of the  injury) dependants' benefit
 shall be  payable 2*[at such rates and for such periods and subject to
 such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government] to his
 dependants specified  in 2*[sub-clause (i), sub-clause (ia) and]  sub-
 clause (ii) of clause (6A) of section 2.
 
      (2) In  case the  insured person  dies without leaving behind him
 the dependants  as aforesaid, the dependants' benefit shall be paid to
 the other  dependants of  the deceased  2*[at such  rates and for such
 period and  subject to  such conditions  as may  be prescribed  by the
 Central Government].
 
  
 52A.
  
 Occupational disease.
  
 
      52A. Occupational  disease.- (1) If an  employee employed  in any
 employment specified  in Part  A of  the Third  Schedule contracts any
 disease specified  therein as an occupational disease peculiar to that
 employment, or  if an employee employed in the employment specified in
 Part B  of that  Schedule for a continuous period of not less than six
 months contracts  any disease  specified therein  as  an  occupational
 disease peculiar  to that employment or if an employee employed in any
 employment     specified  in   Part  C  of  that   Schedule   for such
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 24, for s. 52.
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 21 (w.e.f......).
 
 250
 
 continuous period  as the  Corporation may  specify in respect of each
 such  employment,  contracts  any  disease  specified  therein  as  an
 occupational disease  peculiar to  that employment, the contracting of
 the disease  shall, unless  the contrary is proved, be deemed to be an
 "employment injury" arising out of and in the course of employment.
 
      (2) (i)  Where the  Central Government  or a State Government, as
 the case may be, adds any description of employment to the employments
 specified in  Schedule III to the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923  (8
 of 1923), by virtue of the powers vested in it under sub-section (3) of
 section 3  of the said Act, the said description of employment and the
 occupational diseases  specified under that sub-section as peculiar to
 that description  of employment  shall be  deemed to  form part of the
 Third Schedule.
 
      (ii) Without  prejudice to  the provisions  of  clause  (i),  the
 Corporation after giving, by notification in the Official Gazette, not
 less than  three months'  notice of  its intention so to do, may, by a
 like  notification,   add  any   description  of   employment  to  the
 employments specified  in the  Third Schedule and shall specify in the
 case of  employments so  added the  diseases which shall be deemed for
 the purposes  of this  section to be occupational diseases peculiar to
 those employments  respectively and  thereupon the  provisions of this
 Act shall  apply, as if such diseases had been declared by this Act to
 be occupational diseases peculiar to those employments.
 
      (3) Save  as provided  by sub-sections  (1) and  (2), no  benefit
 shall be  payable to  an employee in respect of any disease unless the
 disease is  directly attributable  to a  specific injury  by  accident
 arising out of and in the course of his employment.
 
      (4) The provisions of section 51A shall not apply to the cases to
 which this section applies.]
 
  
 53.
  
 Bar against receiving or recovery of compensation or damages under 
any other law.
  
 
      1*[53. Bar  against receiving  or  recovery  of  compensation  or
 damages under any other law.-An insured person or his dependants shall
 not be  entitled to  receive or  recover, whether from the employer of
 the insured  person or  from any  other person,  any  compensation  or
 damages under  the Workmen's  Compensation Act,  1923 (8 of 1923),  or
 any other  law for the time being in force or otherwise, in respect of
 an employment  injury sustained  by the  insured person as an employee
 under this Act.]
 
  
 54.
  
 Determination of question of disablement.
  
 
      2*[54. Determination of question of disablement.- Any question--
 
           (a) whether  the relevant accident has resulted in permanent
                disablement; or
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 25, for s. 53.
 2.   Subs. by s. 26, ibid., for s. 54.
 
 251
 
           (b) whether  the extent  of loss  of earning capacity can be
                assessed provisionally or finally; or
 
           (c) whether  the assessment of the proportion of the loss of
                earning capacity is provisional or final; or
 
           (d) in  the case of provisional assessment, as to the period
                for which such assessment shall hold good,
 
 shall be  determined by a medical board constituted in accordance with
 the  provisions  of  the  regulations  and  any  such  question  shall
 hereafter be referred to as the "disablement question".
 
  
 54A.
  
 References to  medical boards  and appeals to medical appeal tribunalsand
 Employees' Insurance Courts.
  
 
      54A. References  to medical  boards and appeals to medical appeal
 tribunals and Employees' Insurance Courts.-(1) The case of any insured
 person for  permanent disablement  benefit shall  be referred  by  the
 Corporation to  a medical  board for  determination of the disablement
 question and  if, on  that or  any subsequent reference, the extent of
 loss of  earning capacity  of  the  insured  person  is  provisionally
 assessed, it shall again be so referred to the medical board not later
 than the  end of  the period  taken into  account by  the  provisional
 assessment.
 
      (2) If  the insured  person or  the Corporation  is not satisfied
 with the  decision of  the medical  board, the  insured person  or the
 Corporation may  appeal  in  the  prescribed  manner  and  within  the
 prescribed time to--
 
           (i) the  medical appeal  tribunal constituted  in accordance
                with the  provisions of  the regulations with a further
                right of appeal in the prescribed manner and within the
                prescribed time to the Employees' Insurance Court, or
 
           (ii) the Employees' Insurance Court directly:]
 
      1*[Provided  that  no appeal by an insured person shall lie under
 this sub-section  if  such  person  has  applied  for  commutation  of
 disablement benefit  on the basis of the decision of the medical board
 and received the commuted value of such benefit:
 
      Provided further  that no  appeal by  the Corporation  shall  lie
 under this  sub-section if  the Corporation paid the commuted value of
 the disablement  benefit on  the basis  of the decision of the medical
 board.]
 
  
 55.
  
 Review of decisions by medical board or medical appeal tribunal.
  
 
      2*[55. Review  of decisions  by medical  board or  medical appeal
 tribunal.- (1) Any decision  under this  Act of  a medical  board or a
 medical appeal  tribunal may  be reviewed  at any  time by the medical
 board or  the medical  appeal tribunal,  as the  case may be, if it is
 satisfied by fresh evidence that the decision was given in consequence
 of the  non-disclosure or  misrepresentation by  the employee  or  any
 other person  of  a  material  fact  (whether  the  non-disclosure  or
 misrepresentation was or was not fraudulent).
 
      (2) Any  assessment of  the extent  of the  disablement resulting
 from the  relevant employment injury may also be reviewed by a medical
 board, if  it is  satisified that  since the  making of the assessment
 there has been a substantial and unforeseen aggravation of the results
 of the relevant injury:
 
      Provided that an assessment shall not be reviewed under this sub-
 section unless  the medical  board is of opinion that having regard to
 the period
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  22 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 27, for s. 55.
 
 252
 
 taken into  account by the assessment and the probable duration of the
 aggravation aforesaid,  substantial injustice  will  be  done  by  not
 reviewing it.
 
      (3) Except  with the  leave of  a  medical  appeal  tribunal,  an
 assessment  shall  not  be  reviewed  under  sub-section  (2)  on  any
 application made less than five years, or in the case of a provisional
 assessment, six months, from the date thereof and on such a review the
 period to  be taken  into account  by any revised assessment shall not
 include any period before the date of the application.
 
      (4) Subject  to the  foregoing  provisions  of  this  section,  a
 medical board day deal with a case of review in any manner in which it
 could deal  with it  on an original reference to it, and in particular
 may make  a provisional assessment notwithstanding that the assessment
 under review  was final; and the provisions of section 54A shall apply
 to an application for review under this section and to a decision of a
 medical board  in connection  with such application as they apply to a
 case for  disablement benefit  under that section and to a decision of
 the medical board in connection with such case.
 
  
 55A.
  
 Review of dependants' benefit.
  
 
      55A. Review of dependants'  benefit.- (1)  Any decision  awarding
 dependants' benefit  under this Act may be reviewed at any time by the
 Corporation if it is satisfied by fresh evidence that the decision was
 given in  consequence of  non-disclosure or  misrepresentation by  the
 claimant or  any other  person of  a material  fact (whether  the non-
 disclosure or misrepresentation was or was not fraudulent) or that the
 decision is  no longer in accordance with this Act due to any birth or
 death or  due to  the marriage, re-marriage or cesser of infirmity of,
 or attainment of the age of eighteen years by, a claimant.
 
      (2) Subject  to the  provisions of this Act, the Corporation may,
 on such  review as  aforesaid, direct  that the dependants' benefit be
 continued, increased, reduced or discontinued.]
 
  
 56.
  
 Medical benefit.
  
 
     56. Medical benefit.- (1) An insured person or (where such medical
 benefit is  extended to  his family)  a member  of  his  family  whose
 condition requires  medical treatment and attendance shall be entitled
 to receive medical benefit.
 
      (2) Such  medical benefit  may be  given either  in the  form  of
 outpatient treatment  and attendance  in  a  hospital  or  dispensary,
 clinic or  other institution  or by  visits to the home of the insured
 person or treatment as in-patient in a hospital or other institution.
 
      (3) A  person shall  be entitled  to medical  benefit during  any
 1*[Period] for which contributions are payable in respect of him or in
 which he  is qualified  to claim sickness benefit or maternity benefit
 2*[or is in receipt of such dis-
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs.  by Act 45 of 1984, s.  8 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 2.   Subs. by  Act 53  of 1951,  s. 17,  for the words "or as provided
      under the reguations, is in receipt of disablement benefit".
 
 253
 
 ablement benefit  as does  not disentitle him to medical benefit under
 the regulations]:
 
      Provided that  a person in respect of whom contribution ceases to
 be payable  under this  Act may  be allowed  medical benefit  for such
 period and of such nature as may be provided under the regulations:
 
      1*[Provided  further  that an  insured person who ceases to be in
 insurable  employment   on  account  of  permanent  disablement  shall
 continue, subject to payment of contribution and such other conditions
 as may  be prescribed  by the  Central Government,  to receive medical
 benefit till the date on which he would have vacated the employment on
 attaining  the  age  of  superannuation  had  he  not  sustained  such
 permanent disablement:
 
      Provided also that an insured person, who has attained the age of
 superannuation, and  his spouse  shall be  eligible to receive medical
 benefit subject  to payment  of contribution and such other conditions
 as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
 
      Explanation.--In this  section, "superannuation",  in relation to
 an insured  person, means the attainment by that person of such age as
 is fixed  in the  contract or  conditions of service as the age on the
 attainment of  which he  shall vacate  the insurable employment or the
 age of  sixty years  where no  such age  is fixed and the person is no
 more in the insurable employment.]
 
  
 57.
  
 Scale of medical benefit.
  
 
      57. Scale  of medical benefit.- (1)  An insured person and (where
 such medical  benefit is  extended to  his family) his family shall be
 entitled to  receive medical  benefit only  of such  kind and  on such
 scale  as   may  be  provided  by  the  State  Government  or  by  the
 Corporation, and  an insured  person or, where such medical benefit is
 extended to his family, his family shall not have a right to claim any
 medical treatment  except such  as  is  provided  by  the  dispensary,
 hospital, clinic  or other  institution to  which he  or his family is
 allotted, or as may be provided by the regulations.
 
      (2) Nothing  in this  Act shall  entitle an  insured  person  and
 (where such  medical benefit  is extended to his family) his family to
 claim reimbursement  from the  Corporation of any expenses incurred in
 respect of  any medical  treatment, except  as may  be provided by the
 regulations.
 
  
 58.
  
 Provision of medical treatment by State Government.
  
 
      58. Provision  of medical treatment by State Government.- (1) The
 State Government  shall provide  for insured  persons and  (where such
 benefit is  extended to  their families)  their families in the State,
 reasonable medical, surgical and obstetric treatment:
 
      Provided that  the State Government may, with the approval of the
 Corporation, arrange  for medical  treatment  at  clinics  of  medical
 practitioners on  such scale  and subject to such terms and conditions
 as may be agreed upon.
 
      (2) Where  the incidence  of sickness  benefit payment to insured
 persons in  any State  is found  to exceed  the all-India average, the
 amount of  such excess shall be shared between the Corporation and the
 State Government  in such  proportion as  may be  fixed  by  agreement
 between them:
 
      Provided that  the Corporation may in any case waive the recovery
 of the  whole or  any part  of the  share which  is to be borne by the
 State Government.
 
      (3) The  Corporation may  enter into  an agreement  with a  State
 Government in  regard to the nature and scale of the medical treatment
 that should  be provided  to insured  persons and  (where such medical
 benefit  is  extended  to  the  families)  their  families  (including
 provision of  buildings, equipment,  medicines and  staff) and for the
 sharing of  the cost  thereof and  of any  excess in  the incidence of
 sickness benefit  to insured  persons between  the Corporation and the
 State Government.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 23 (w.e.f.-------).
 
 254
 
      (4) In default of agreement between the Corporation and any State
 Government as aforesaid the nature and extent of the medical treatment
 to be provided by the State Government and the proportion in which the
 cost thereof  and of  the excess  in the incidence of sickness benefit
 shall be  shared between the Corporation and that Government, shall be
 determined by an arbitrator (who shall be or shall have been a Judge of
 the 1*[High  Court 2*[of  a State]])  appointed by the Chief Justice of
 India and  the award  of  the  arbitrator  shall  be  binding  on  the
 Corporation and the State Government.
 
  
 59.
  
 Establishment and maintenance of hospitals, etc., by Corporation.
  
 
      59.  Establishment   and  maintenance   of  hospitals,  etc.,  by
 Corporation.- (1) The Corporation  may, with the approval of the State
 Government,  establish   and  maintain  in  a  State  such  hospitals,
 dispensaries and  other medical  and surgical services as it may think
 fit for the benefit of insured persons and (where such medical benefit
 is extended to their families) their families.
 
      (2) The Corporation may  enter into agreement with any 3*** local
 authority, private  body or  individual in  regard to the provision of
 medical treatment  and attendance  for insured persons and (where such
 medical benefit  is extended to their families) their families, in any
 area and sharing the cost thereof.
 
  
 59A.
  
 Provision of  medical benefit  by the  Corporation in  lieu  of
 StateGovernment.
  
 
      4*[59A. Provision  of medical  benefit by the Corporation in lieu
 of State  Government.- (1) Notwithstanding anything  contained in  any
 other provision of this Act, the Corporation may, in consultation with
 the State  Government,  undertake  the  responsibility  for  providing
 medical benefit  to insured  persons and where such medical benefit is
 extended to their families, to the families of such insured persons in
 the State  subject to  the condition  that the  State Government shall
 share the  cost of  such medical  benefit in such proportion as may be
 agreed upon between the State Government and the Corporation.
 
      (2) In  the event  of the  Corporation exercising its power under
 sub-section (1), the provisions relating to medical benefit under this
 Act shall  apply, so  far as  may be, as if a reference therein to the
 State Government were a reference to the Corporation.]
 
                                General
 
  
 60.
  
 Benefit not assignable or attachable.
  
 
      60. Benefit  not assignable or  attachable.-  (1)  The  right  to
 receive any  payment of  any benefit  under  this  Act  shall  not  be
 transferable or assignable.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "High Court of a Province".
 2.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 18, for "for a Part A State".
 3.   The words  and letter "Part B State" omitted by the Adaptation of
      Laws (No. 4) Order, 1957 (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
 4.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 28 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
 254A
 
      (2) No  cash benefit  payable under  this Act  shall be liable to
 attachment or sale in execution of any decree or order of any Court.
 
  
 61.
  
 Bar of benefits under other enactments.
  
 
      61. Bar  of benefits  under other enactments.- When  a person  is
 entitled to  any of the benefits provided by this Act, he shall not be
 entitled  to   receive  any   similar  benefit  admissible  under  the
 provisions of any other enactment.
 
  
 62.
  
 Persons not to commute cash benefits.
  
 
     62. Persons not to commute cash benefits.- Save as may be provided
 in the  regulations no  person shall be entitled to commute for a lump
 sum any 1*[disablement benefit] admissible under this Act.
 
  
 63.
  
 Persons not entitled to receive benefit in certain cases.
  
 
      2*[63. Persons not entitled to receive benefit in certain cases.-
 Save as  may be  provided in  the  regulations,  no  person  shall  be
 entitled to  sickness benefit  or disablement  benefit  for  temporary
 disablement on  any day  on which he works or remains on leave or on a
 holiday in  respect of  which he receives wages or on any day on which
 he remains on strike.]
 
  
 64.
  
 Recipients of sickness or disablement benefit to observe conditions.
  
 
      64. Recipients  of sickness  or disablement  benefit  to  observe
 conditions.- A person  who  is  in  receipt  of  sickness  benefit  or
 disablement  benefit   (other  than   benefit  granted   on  permanent
 disablement)--
 
           (a) shall  remain under  medical treatment  at a dispensary,
                hospital, clinic  or other  institution provided  under
                this Act  and shall carry out the instructions given by
                the medical  officer or  medical  attendant  in  charge
                thereof;
 
           (b) shall  not while under treatment do anything which might
                retard or prejudice his chances of recovery;
 
           (c) shall  not leave  the area  in which  medical  treatment
                provided by  this  Act  is  being  given,  without  the
                permission of the medical officer, medical attendant or
                such other authority as may be specified in this behalf
                by the regulations; and
 
           (d) shall allow himself to be examined by any duly appointed
                medical officer    3***  or  other person authorized by
                the Corporation in this behalf.
 
  
 65.
  
 Benefits not to be combined.
  
 
      65. Benefits not to be combined.- (1) An insured person shall not
 be entitled to receive for the same period--
 
           (a) both sickness benefit and maternity benefit; or
 
           (b)  both  sickness  benefit  and  disablement  benefit  for
                temporary disablement; or
 
           (c) both  maternity  benefit  and  disablement  benefit  for
                temporary disablement.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989 s. 24 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 2.   Subs. by s. 25, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.   Omitted by s. 26, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 254B
 
      (2) Where  a person  is entitled to more than one of the benefits
 mentioned in  sub-section (1),  he shall  be entitled  to choose which
 benefit he shall receive.
 
  
 66.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
 
       66.   [Corporation's  right   to  recover  damages from employer
 inc certain cases.]- Rep. by the Employees' State Insurance (Amendment)
 Act, 1966 (44 of 1966), s. 29 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
  
 67.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
 
      67.[Corporation's right to be indemnified in certain cases.] Rep.
 by s. 29, ibid. (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 
  
 68.
  
 Corporation's rights  where a  principal employer fails or neglects topay any
 contribution.
  
 
      68. Corporation's  rights where  a principal  employer  fails  or
 neglects to pay any contribution.- (1) If any principal employer fails
 or neglects  to pay any contribution which under this Act he is liable
 to pay  in respect  of any  employee and by reason thereof such person
 becomes disentitled to any benefit or entitled to a benefit on a lower
 scale, the  Corporation may,  on being satisfied that the contribution
 should have been paid by the principal employer, pay to the person the
 benefit at  the rate  to which  he would  have been  entitled  if  the
 failure or  neglect had  not occurred  and the  Corporation  shall  be
 entitled to recover from the principal employer either--
 
           1*[(i) the difference between the amount of benefit which is
                paid by  the Corporation  to the  said person  and  the
                amount of  the benefit which would have been payable on
                the basis  of the contributions which were in fact paid
                by the employer; or]
 
           (ii) twice the amount of the contribution which the employer
                failed or neglected to pay,
 
 whichever is greater.
 
      (2) The amount recoverable under this section may be recovered as
 if it  were an  arrear of  land-revenue. 2*[or   under section  45C to
 section 45-I.]
 
  
 69.
  
 Liability of  owner or  occupier  of  factories, etc.,  for  
excessive sicknes benefit.
  
 
      69. Liability  of  owner  or  occupier  of  factories, etc.,  for
 excessive sickness benefit.- (1)  Where the Corporation considers that
 the incidence of sickness among insured persons is excessive by reason
 of--
 
           (i)  insanitary   working  conditions   in  a   factory   or
                establishment or  the neglect  of the owner or occupier
                of the  factory or  establishment to observe any health
                regulations enjoined  on him by or under any enactment,
                or
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 19, for cl. (i).
 2.   Added by Act 29 of 1989, s. 27 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 254C
 
           (ii) insanitary  conditions of  any  tenements  or  lodgings
                occupied  by   insured  persons   and  such  insanitary
                conditions are attributable to the neglect of the owner
                of the  tenements or  lodgings to  observe  any  health
                regulations enjoined on him by or under any enactment,
 
 the Corporation  may send  to the  owner or occupier of the factory or
 establishment or  to the  owner of  the tenements  or lodgings, as the
 case may  be, a  claim for  the payment  of the  amount of  the  extra
 expenditure incurred  by the  Corporation as  sickness benefit; and if
 the claim  is not  settled by agreement, the Corporation may refer the
 matter, with  a statement  in support of its claim, to the appropriate
 Government.
 
      (2) If  the appropriate  Government is  of opinion  that a  prima
 facie case for inquiry is disclosed, it may appoint a competent person
 or persons to hold an inquiry into the matter.
 
      (3) if  upon such inquiry it is proved to the satisfaction of the
 person or  persons holding the inquiry that the excess in incidence of
 sickness among the insured persons is due to the default or neglect of
 the owner  or occupier of the factory or establishment or the owner of
 the tenements  or lodgings,  as the  case may  be, the  said person or
 persons shall  determine the  amount of the extra expenditure incurred
 as sickness  benefit, and  the person  or persons by whom the whole or
 any part of such amount shall be paid to the Corporation.
 
      (4) A  determination under  sub-section (3) may be enforced as if
 it were  a decree  for payment  of money  passed in  a suit by a Civil
 Court.
 
      (5) For  the purposes  of this  section, "owner"  of tenements or
 lodgings shall  include any  agent of  the owner and any person who is
 entitled to  collect the rent of the tenements or lodgings as a lessee
 of the owner.
 
  
 70.
  
 Repayment of benefit improperly received.
  
 
      70. Repayment  of benefit improperly  received.-  (1)  Where  any
 person has  received any  benefit or payment under this Act when he is
 not lawfully  entitled thereto,  he shall  be liable  to repay  to the
 Corporation the value of the benefit or the amount of such payment, or
 in the  case of  his death his representative shall be liable to repay
 the same from the assets of the deceased, if any, in his hands.
 
      (2) The  value of  any benefits received other than cash payments
 shall be  determined by  such authority  as may  be specified  in  the
 regulations made  in this  behalf and  the decision  of such authority
 shall be final.
 
      (3) The amount recoverable under this section may be recovered as
 if it  were an arrear of land-revenue. 1*[or  under  section  45-C  to
 section 45-I.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Added by Act 29 of 1989, s. 27 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 254D
 
  
 71.
  
 Benefit payable up to and including day of death.
  
 
      71. Benefit  payable up  to and  including day of death.- 1*[If a
 person dies]   during  any   period for which he is entitled to a cash
 benefit under this Act, the amount of such benefit up to and including
 the day  of his  death shall  be paid  to any  person nominated by the
 deceased person  in writing  in such  form as  may be specified in the
 regulations or  if there  is no  such nomination, to the heir or legal
 representative of the deceased person.
 
  
 72.
  
 Employer not to reduce wages, etc.
  
 
      72. Employer not to reduce wages, etc.-No employer by reason only
 of his  liability for  any contributions payable under this Act shall,
 directly or  indirectly reduce the wages of any employee, or except as
 provided by the regulations, discontinue or reduce benefits payable to
 him under  the conditions  of his  service which  are similar  to  the
 benefits conferred by this Act.
 
  
 73.
  
 Employer not  to dismiss or punish employee during period of sickness,etc.
  
 
      73. Employer  not to  dismiss or punish employee during period of
 sickness, etc.- (1) No employer shall dismiss, discharge, or reduce or
 otherwise punish  an employee  during the  period the  employee is  in
 receipt of sickness benefit or maternity benefit, nor shall he, except
 as provided  under the  regulations, dismiss,  discharge or  reduce or
 otherwise punish an employee  during the   period  he is in receipt of
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 28 (w.e.f.------).
 
 255
 
 disablement benefit  for temporary  disablement or  is  under  medical
 treatment for  sickness or  is absent from work as a result of illness
 duly certified  in accordance with the regulations to arise out of the
 pregnancy or confinement rendering the employee unfit for work.
 
      (2) No  notice of dismissal or discharge or reduction given to an
 employee during the period specified in sub-section (1) shall be valid
 or operative.
 
  
 CHAP
  
 TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
  
 
                            1*[CHAPTER VA2*
 
                         TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
 
  
 73A.
  
 Employer's special contribution.
  
 
      73A. Employer's special contribution.-  (1) For  so long  as  the
 provisions of  this Chapter  are in  force, every  principal  employer
 shall, notwithstanding  anything contained  in this  Act, pay  to  the
 Corporation a  special contribution  (hereinafter referred  to as  the
 employer's special  contribution) at  the rate  specified  under  sub-
 section (3).
 
      (2) The  employer's special  contribution shall, in the case of a
 factory or  establishment situate  in any area in which the provisions
 of both  Chapters IV  and V are in force, be in lieu of the employer's
 contribution payable under Chapter IV.
 
      (3) The  employer's special  contribution shall  consist of  such
 percentage, not  exceeding five percent. of the total wage bill of the
 employer, as  the Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the
 Official Gazette, specify from time to time:
 
      Provided that  before fixing  or varying  any such percentage the
 Central Government  shall give  by like notification not less than two
 months'  notice   of  its  intention  so  to  do  and  shall  in  such
 notification specify  the percentage  which it  proposes to fix or, as
 the case  may be,  the extent to which the percentage already fixed is
 to be varied:
 
      Provided further  that the employer's special contribution in the
 case of  factories or  establishments situate in any area in which the
 provisions of  both Chapters IV and V are in force shall be fixed at a
 rate higher  than that  in the  case of  factories  or  establishments
 situate in  any area  in which the provisions of the said Chapters are
 not in force.
 
      (4) The employer's special contribution shall fall due as soon as
 the liability of the employer to pay wages accrues, but may be paid to
 the Corporation at such intervals, within such time and in such manner
 as the  Central   Government may,   by   notification  in the official
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Chapter VA ins, by Act 53 of 1951, s. 20.
 2.   Chapter VA  shall cease  to have effect on and from 1-7-1973 vide
      Notification No. S.O. 173 (E), dated 26-3-1973.
 
 256
 
 Gazette, specify,  and any such notification may provide for the grant
 of a rebate for prompt payment of such contribution.
 
      Explanation.--"Total wage  bill" in  this section means the total
 wages  which   have  accrued   due  to   employees  in  a  factory  or
 establishment in  respect of such wage periods as may be specified for
 the purposes of this section by the Central Government by notification
 in the Official Gazette.
 
  
 73B.
  
 Special tribunals  for decision  of disputes  or questions  under thisChapter
 where there is no Employees' Insurance Court.
  
 
      73B. Special  tribunals for  decision of  disputes  or  questions
 under this  Chapter where there is no Employees' Insurance Court.- (1)
 If any question or dispute arises in respect of the employer's special
 contribution payable or recoverable under this Chapter and there is no
 Employees' Insurance Court having jurisdiction to try such question or
 dispute, the question or dispute shall be decided by such authority as
 the Central Government may specify in this behalf.
 
      (2) The  provisions of sub-section (1) of section 76, sections 77
 to 79  and 81  shall, so  far as  may  be,  apply  in  relation  to  a
 proceeding before an authority specified under sub-section (1) as they
 apply in  relation to  a proceeding  before  an  Employees'  Insurance
 Court.
 
  
 73C.
  
 Benefits under Chapter V to depend upon employee's contribution.
  
 
      73C.  Benefits   under  Chapter   V  to  depend  upon  employee's
 contribution.- The payment of the employee's contribution for any week
 in accordance  with the provisions of Chapter IV in any area where all
 the provisions  of that  Chapter are in force shall for the purpose of
 Chapter V,  have effect  as if the contributions payable under Chapter
 IV in  respect of that employee for that week had been paid, and shall
 accordingly entitle  the employee as an insured person to the benefits
 specified in Chapter V if he is otherwise entitled thereto.
 
      Explanation.--In the case of an exempted employee, the employee's
 contribution shall  be deemed  to have  been paid  for a  week if  the
 Corporation  is   satisfied  that  during  that  week  the  employer's
 contribution under  Chapter IV  would have  been payable in respect of
 him but for the provisions of this Chapter.
 
  
 73D.
  
 Mode of recovery of employer's special contribution.
  
 
      73D. Mode of recovery  of employer's  special contribution.- The
 employer's special  contribution payable  under this  Chapter  may  be
 recovered as if it were an arrear of land-revenue.
 
  
 73E.
  
 Power to call for additional information or return.
  
 
      73E. Power to call for additional information or return.- Without
 prejudice  to   the  other  provisions  contained  in  this  Act,  the
 Corporation may, for the purpose of determining whether the employer's
 special contribution  is payable under this Chapter or for determining
 the amount thereof, by general or special order, require any principal
 or immediate  employer or any other person to furnish such information
 or returns to such authority, in such form and within such time as may
 be specified in the order.
 
 257
 
  
 73F.
  
 Power to exempt to be exercised by Central Government alone in respectof
 employer's special contributions.
  
 
      73F. Power  to exempt to be exercised by Central Government alone
 in  respect   of  employer's  special  contributions.- Notwithstanding
 anything contained  in this  Act, the  Central Government  may, having
 regard to  the size  or location  of, or  the nature  of the  industry
 carried on  in, any  factory or establishment or class of factories or
 establishments, exempt  the  factory  or  establishment  or  class  of
 factories or establishments from the payment of the employer's special
 contribution under  this Chapter  and nothing contained in sections 87
 to 91  inclusive shall  be deemed to authorize any State Government to
 grant any such exemption.
 
  
 73G.
  
 Application of  certain provisions  of this  Act to employer's
 specialcontribution.
  
 
      73G. Application  of certain provisions of this Act to employer's
 special contribution.- Save as  otherwise expressly  provided in  this
 Chapter, the  provisions of Chapter IV, section 72 and Chapter VII and
 any rules and regulations made under this Act shall, so far as may be,
 apply in  relation to  the payment  or recovery  of employer's special
 contributions, the penalties specified in connection therewith and all
 other matters  incidental  thereto  as  they  would  have  applied  in
 relation to  an employer's  contribution if  this Chapter  were not in
 force and the employer's contribution had been payable under this Act.
 
  
 73H.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
      73H. [Power to  remove  difficulties.]-  Rep.  by the  Employees'
 State Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1966  (44 of 1966),  s.  31   (w.e.f.
 17-6-1976).
 
  
 73I.
  
 Duration of Chapter VA.
  
 
      73I. Duration  of Chapter  VA.- The Central  Government  may,  by
 notification in  the Official  Gazette, direct  that the provisions of
 this Chapter  shall cease  to have  effect on  such  date  as  may  be
 specified in  the notification,  not being  a date  earlier than three
 months from the date of the notification:
 
      Provided that  on the  provisions of  this Chapter  so ceasing to
 have effect  the provisions  of section  6 of the General Clauses Act,
 1897 (10  of 1897),   shall apply as if the provisions of this Chapter
 had then been repealed by a Central Act.]
 
  
 CHAP
  
 ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTE AND CLAIMS
  
 
                               CHAPTER VI
 
                   ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTE AND CLAIMS
 
  
 74.
  
 Constitution of Employees' Insurance Court.
  
 
      74. Constitution  of Employees' Insurance Court.-  (1) The  State
 Government shall,  by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute
 an Employees'  Insurance Court for such local area as may be specified
 in the notification.
 
      (2) The Court shall consist of such number of Judges as the State
 Government may think fit.
 
 258
 
      (3) Any  person who  is or  has been  a judicial  officer or is a
 legal practitioner  of five years' standing shall be qualified to be a
 Judge of the Employees' Insurance Court.
 
      (4) The  State Government  may appoint  the same Court for two or
 more local areas or two or more Courts for the same local area.
 
      (5) Where  more than  one Court  has been  appointed for the same
 local area,  the State  Government may  by general  or  special  order
 regulate the distribution of business between them.
 
  
 75.
  
 Matters to be decided by Employees' Insurance Court.
  
 
      75. Matters  to be decided by Employees' Insurance Court.- (1) If
 any question or dispute arises as to--
 
           (a) whether  any person is an employee within the meaning of
                this Act  or whether he is liable to pay the employee's
                contribution, or
 
           (b) the  rate of wages or average daily wages of an employee
                for the purposes of this Act, or
 
           (c) the rate of contribution payable by a principal employer
                in respect of any employee, or
 
           (d) the  person who  is or  was the  principal  employer  in
                respect of any employee, or
 
           (e) the  right of  any person  to any  benefit and as to the
                amount and duration thereof, or
 
           1*[(ee)  any  direction  issued  by  the  Corporation  under
                section 55A  on a  review of any payment of dependants'
                benefits, or]
 
      2*             *            *             *                   *
 
           (g) any other matter which is in dispute between a principal
                employer and  the Corporation,  or between  a principal
                employer and an immediate employer, or between a person
                and the  Corporation  or  between  an  employee  and  a
                principal or  immediate  employer  in  respect  of  any
                contribution  or  benefit  or  other  dues  payable  or
                recoverable under  this  Act  3*[or  any  other  matter
                required  to   be  or  which  may  be  decided  by  the
                Employees' Insurance Court under this Act],
 
 such question  or dispute  3*[subject to the provisions of sub-section
 (2A)] shall be decided by the Employees' Insurance Court in accordance
 with the provisions of this Act.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by  Act 53 of 1951, s. 21 and subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 32
      (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 2.   Cl. (f) omitted by Act 44 of 1966, s. 32 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   Ins. by s. 32, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 259
 
      (2)  1*[Subject  to  the  provisions  of  sub-section  (2A),  the
 following claims]  shall be decided by the Employees' Insurance Court,
 namely:--
 
           (a)  claim  for  the  recovery  of  contributions  from  the
                principal employer;
 
           (b) claim  by a  principal employer to recover contributions
                from any immediate employer;
 
      2*           *              *                *                  *
 
           (d) claim against a principal employer under section 68;
 
           (e) claim  under section 70 for the recovery of the value or
                amount of  the benefits received by a person when he is
                not lawfully entitled thereto; and
 
           (f) any  claim for  the recovery  of any  benefit admissible
                under this Act.
 
      3*[(2A) If  in any  proceedings before  the  Employees'  Insurance
 Court a  disablement question  arises and  the decision  of a  medical
 board or  a medical  appeal tribunal has not been obtained on the same
 and the  decision of  such question is necessary for the determination
 of the  claim or  question before the Employees' Insurance Court, that
 Court shall  direct the  Corporation to  have the  question decided by
 this Act  and shall  thereafter proceed  with the determination of the
 claim or  question before  it in  accordance with  the decision of the
 medical board  or the  medical appeal  tribunal, as  the case  may be,
 except where  an appeal has been filed before the Employees' Insurance
 Court  under  sub-section  (2)  of  section  54A  in  which  case  the
 Employees' Insurance Court may itself determine all the issues arising
 before it.]
 
      4*[(2B) No  matter  which  is  in  dispute  between  a  principal
 employer and  the Corporation  in respect  of any  contribution or any
 other dues shall be raised by the principal employer in the Employees'
 Insurance Court unless he has deposited with the Court fifty per cent.
 of the amount due from him as claimed by the Corporation:
 
      Provided that  the Court  may, for  reasons  to  be  recorded  in
 writing, waive  or reduce  the amount  to be deposited under this sub-
 section.]
 
      (3) No Civil Court shall have jurisdiction to decide or deal with
 any question or dispute as aforesaid or to adjudicate on any liability
 which by  or under this Act is to be decided by 5*[a medical board, or
 by a medical appeal tribunal or by the Employees' Insurance Court].
 
  
 76.
  
 Institution of proceedings, etc.
  
 
      76.  Institution  of  proceedings,   etc.-  (1)  Subject  to  the
 provisions of this Act and any rules made by the State Government, all
 proceedings before  the Employees' Insurance Court shall be instituted
 in the  Court appointed for the local area in which the insured person
 was working at the time the question or dispute arose.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by  Act 44  of 1966,  s. 32,  for  "The  following  claims"
      (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 2.   Cl. (c) omitted by s. 32, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   Ins. by s. 32, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.  Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  29 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 5.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 32,    for  "the  Employees Insurance
      Court" (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 260
 
      (2) If  the Court is satisfied that any matter arising out of any
 proceeding pending  before it  can be  more conveniently dealt with by
 any other  Employees' Insurance  Court in  the  same  State,  it  may,
 subject to any rules made by the State Government in this behalf order
 such matter  to be  transferred to  such other  Court for disposal and
 shall forthwith  transmit to  such other  Court the  records connected
 with that matter.
 
      (3) The  State Government  may transfer any matter pending before
 any Employees'  Insurance Court  in the  State to  any such  Court  in
 another State with the consent of the State Government of that State.
 
      (4) The  Court to  which any  matter is  transferred  under  sub-
 section (2)  or sub-section  (3) shall  continue the proceedings as if
 they had been originally instituted in it.
 
  
 77.
  
 Commencement of proceedings.
  
 
      77. Commencement  of proceedings.- (1) The  proceedings before an
 Employees' Insurance Court shall be commenced by application.
 
      1*[(1A) Every  such application  shall be made within a period of
 three years from the date on which the cause of action arose.
 
      Explanation.--For the purpose of this sub-section,--
 
           (a) the  cause of  action in  respect of a claim for benefit
                shall not  be deemed to arise unless the insured person
                or in  the case  of dependants' benefit, the dependants
                of the  insured person  claims or claim that benefit in
                accordance with  the regulations  made in  that  behalf
                within a period of twelve months after the claim became
                due or  within such  further period  as the  Employees'
                Insurance Court may allow on grounds which appear to it
                to be reasonable;
 
      2*[(b) the  cause  of  action  in  respect  of  a  claim  by  the
 Corporation  for  recovering  contributions  (including  interest  and
 damages) from the principal employer shall be deemed to have arisen on
 the date  on which such claim is made by the Corporation for the first
 time:
 
      Provided that  no claim  shall be  made by  the Corporation after
 five years of the period to which the claim relates;
 
      (c) the  cause of  action in  respect of a claim by the principal
 employer for recovering contributions from an immediate employer shall
 not be  deemed to  arise till  the  date  by  which  the  evidence  of
 contributions  having   been  paid  is  due  to  be  received  by  the
 Corporation under the regulations.]
 
      (2) Every  such application  shall be  in  such  form  and  shall
 contain such particulars and shall be accompanied by such fee, if any,
 as may  be prescribed  by  rules  made  by  the  State  Government  in
 consultation with the Corporation.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 33  (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 30 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 261
 
  
 78.
  
 Powers of Employees Insurance Court.
  
 
      78. Powers  of Employees  Insurance Court.- (1)  The  Employees'
 Insurance Court  shall have  all the  powers of  a Civil Court for the
 purposes of  summoning and  enforcing  the  attendance  of  witnesses,
 compelling the  discovery and  production of  documents  and  material
 objects, administering  oath and  recording evidence  and  such  Court
 shall be  deemed to  be a Civil Court within the meaning of 1*[section
 195 and  Chapter XXVI  of the  Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2  of
 1974).]
 
      (2) The Employees' Insurance Court shall follow such procedure as
 may be prescribed by rules made by the State Government.
 
      (3) All  costs incidental  to any proceeding before an Employees'
 Insurance Court  shall, subject  to such  rules as may be made in this
 behalf by the State Government, be in the discretion of the Court.
 
      (4)  An   order  of  the  Employees'  Insurance  Court  shall  be
 enforceable as if it were a decree passed in a suit by a Civil Court.
 
  
 79.
  
 Appearance by legal practitioners, etc.
  
 
      79. Appearance  by legal  practitioners,  etc.- Any  application,
 appearance or  act required  to be  made or  done by  any person to or
 before an  Employees' Insurance  Court (other  than  appearance  of  a
 person required  for the  purpose of his examination as a witness) may
 be made  or done  by a  legal practitioner  or  by  an  officer  of  a
 registered trade  union authorized  in writing  by such person or with
 the permission of the Court, by any other person so authorized.
 
  
 80
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
      80. [Benefit  not admissible unless  claimed in time.]- Rep.  by
 the Employees' State Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1966 (44 of 1966),  s.
 34 (w.e.f.  28-1- 1968).
 
  
 81
  
 Reference to High Court.
  
 
      81. Reference  to High  Court.- An Employees' Insurance Court may
 submit any  question of  law for the decision of the High Court and if
 it does  so shall  decide the question pending before it in accordance
 with such decision.
 
  
 82.
  
 Appear.
  
 
      82. Appear.- (1) Save  as expressly  provided in this section, no
 appeal shall lie from an order of an Employees' Insurance Court.
 
      (2) An  appeal shall  lie to  the High  Court from an order of an
 Employees' Insurance  Court if  it involves  a substantial question of
 law.
 
      (3) The  period of  limitation for  an appeal  under this section
 shall be sixty days.
 
      (4) The  provisions of section 5 and 12 of the 2*[Limitation Act,
 1963 (36-6-1963)] shall apply to appeals under this section.
 
  
 83.
  
 Stay of payment pending appeal.
  
 
      83. Stay of payment  pending appeal.-  Where the  Corporation has
 presented an  appeal against  an order  of  the  Employees'  Insurance
 Court, that  Court may,  and if  so directed  by the High Court shall,
 pending the  decision of  the appeal,  withhold the payment of any sum
 directed to be paid by the order appealed against.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Subs. by Act 45 of 1984, s. 9 (w.e.f. 27-1-1985).
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 31 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 262
 
  
 CHAP
  
 PENALTIES
  
 
                              CHAPTER VII
 
                               PENALTIES
 
  
 84.
  
 Punishment for false statement.
  
 
      84. Punishment  for false statement.- Whoever, for the purpose of
 causing any  increase in payment or benefit under this Act, or for the
 purpose of  causing any payment or benefit to be made where no payment
 or benefit  is authorized  by or under this Act, or for the purpose of
 avoiding any  payment to be made by himself under this Act or enabling
 any other  person to avoid any such payment, knowingly makes or causes
 to be  made any  false statement  or false  representation,  shall  be
 punishable with  imprisonment for  a term  which may  extend to 1*[six
 months] or  with fine  not exceeding 1*[two thousend]  rupees, or with
 both:
 
      2*[Provided  that where an insured person is convicted under this
 section, he  shall not be entitled for any cash benefit under this Act
 for such period as may be prescribed by the Central Government].
 
  
 85.
  
 Punishment for failure to pay contributions, etc.
  
 
      85. Punishment  for failure to pay  contributions, etc.- If  any
 person--
 
           (a) fails to pay any contribution which under this Act he is
                liable to pay, or
 
           (b) deducts  or attempts  to deduct  from the  wages  of  an
                employee the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  employer's
                contribution, or
 
           (c) in  contravention of section 72 reduces the wages or any
                privileges or benefits admissible to an employee, or
 
           (d)  in  contravention  of  section  73  or  any  regulation
                dismisses, discharges, reduces or otherwise punishes an
                employee, or
 
           (e) fails  or refuses  to submit  any return required by the
                regulations, or makes a false return, or
 
           (f)  obstructs  any  Inspector  or  other  official  of  the
                Corporation in the discharge of his duties, or
 
           (g) is guilty of any contravention of or non-compliance with
                any of the requirements of this Act or the rules or the
                regulations in  respect of  which no special penalty is
                provided,
 
 3*[he shall be punisahble--
 
      4*[(i) where  he  commits  an  offence  under  clause  (a),  with
 imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years but--
 
      (a) which  shall not be less than one year, in case of failure to
 pay the  employee's contribution  which has  been deducted by him from
 the employee's  wages and shall also be liable to fine of ten thousand
 rupees;
 
      (b) which  shall not  be less  than six months, in any other case
 and shall also be liable to fine of five thousand rupees:
 
      Provided that the Court may, for any adequate and special reasons
 to be  recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for
 a lesser term;
 
      (ii) where  he commits an offence under any of the clauses (b) to
 (g) (both inclusive), with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
 one year  or with  fine which  may extend  to four thousand rupees, or
 with both.]
 
      and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to two thousand
 rupees:
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 1.  Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989 s.  32 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.  Ins.  by s.  32 ibid.  (w.e.f.------).
 3.   Subs. by  Act 38  of 1975,  s. 4,  for certain words (w.e.f. 1-9-
      1975).
 4.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 33 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 263
 
  
 85A.
  
 Enhanced punishment in certain cases after previous conviction.
  
 
      1*[85A. Enhanced  punishment  in  certain  cases  after  previous
 conviction.- Whoever,  having been convicted by  a court of an offence
 punishable under  this Act,  commits the same offence shall, for every
 such subsequent  offence, be  punishable with  imprisonment for a term
 which  may  extend  to  2*[two  years  and  with fine of five thousand
 rupees]:
 
      Provided that where such subsequent offence is for failure by the
 employer to  pay any contribution which under this Act he is liable to
 pay, he  shall, for  every such subsequent offence, be punishable with
 imprisonment for  a term  which may  extend to 2*[five years but which
 shall not  be less  than two years and shall also be liable to fine of
 twenty-five thousand rupees].
 
  
 85B.
  
 Power to recover damages.
  
 
     85B. Power to recover damages.- (1) Where an employer fails to pay
 the amount  due in  respect of  any contribution  or any  other amount
 payable under  this Act,  the  Corporation  may  recover  3*[from  the
 employer by  way of  penalty such  damages not exceeding the amount of
 arrears as may be specified in the regulations]:
 
      Provided that  before recovering such damages, the employer shall
 be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
 
      4*[Provided further  that the Corporation may reduce or waive the
 damages recoverable under this section in relation to an establishment
 which is  a sick  industrial company  in respect of which a scheme for
 rehabilitation has  been sanctioned  by the  Board for  Industrial and
 Financial Reconstruction  established under  section  4  of  the  Sick
 Industrial  Companies  (Special  Provisions)  Act,  1985  (1 of 1986),
 subject  to  such  terms  and  conditions  as  may  be  specified   in
 regulations.]
 
      (2)  Any   damages  recoverable  under  sub-section  (1)  may  be
 recovered as  an arrear of land revenue. 5*[or  under section  45-C to
 section 45-I].
 
  
 85C.
  
 Power of court to make orders.
  
 
      85C. Power of court  to make  orders.- (1)  Where an  employer is
 convicted of  an offence  for failure  to pay any contribution payable
 under this Act, the court may, in addition to awarding any punishment,
 by order,  in writing,  require him  within a  period specified in the
 order (which the court may if it thinks fit and on application in that
 behalf, from  time to time, extend), to pay the amount of contribution
 in respect  of which  the offence was committed. 6*[and to furnish the
 return relating to such contributions].
 
      (2) Where  an order  is made  under sub-section (1), the employer
 shall not  be liable  under this Act in respect of the continuation of
 the offence  during the  period or extended period, if any, allowed by
 the court, but if, on the expiry of such period or extended period, as
 the case  may be,  the order  of the court has not been fully complied
 with, the employer shall be
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 38 of 1975, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-9-1975).
 2.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 34 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-1-1992).
 4.   Ins. by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-1-1992).
 5.   Added by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-1-1992).
 6.   Added by s. 36 ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 264
 
 deemed to  have committed  a further  offence and  shall be punishable
 with imprisonment  in respect  thereof under section 85 and shall also
 be liable  to pay fine which may extend to 1*[one thousand] rupees for
 every day  after such  expiry on which the order has not been complied
 with.]
 
  
 86.
  
 Prosecutions.
  
 
      86. Prosecutions.- (1) No  prosecution under  this Act  shall  be
 instituted except  by or  with the  previous sanction of the Insurance
 Commissioner 2*[or  of such other officer of the Corporation as may be
 authorized  in   this  behalf   by  the  3*[Director  General  of  the
 Corporation]].
 
      4*[(2)  No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or
 judicial Magistrate  of the  First Class  shall try  any offence under
 this Act.]
 
      (3) No  Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act
 except on a complaint made in writing in respect thereof 5***.
 
  
 86A.
  
 Offences by companies.
  
 
      6*[86A. Offences  by companies.- (1) If  the person committing an
 offence under this Act is a company, every person, who at the time the
 offence was  committed was  incharge of,  and was  responsible to, the
 company for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the
 company, shall  be deemed  to be  guilty of  the offence  and shall be
 liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:
 
      Provided that  nothing contained in this sub-section shall render
 any person liable to any punishment, if he proves that the offence was
 committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence
 to prevent the commission of such offence.
 
      (2) Notwithstanding  anything contained in sub-section (1), where
 an offence  under this  Act has  been committed  with the  consent  or
 connivance of,  or is attributable to, any neglect on the part of, any
 director or  manager, secretary  or other officer of the company, such
 director, manager,  secretary or  other officer  shall be deemed to be
 guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and
 punished accordingly.
 
      Explanation.--For the purposes of this section,--
 
           (i) "company"  means any  body corporate and includes a firm
      and other associations of individuals; and
 
           (ii) "director" in relation to--
 
                     (a) a  company,  other  than  a  firm,  means  the
                managing director or a whole-time director;
 
                     (b) a firm means a partner in the firm.]
 
  
 CHAP
  
 MISCELLANEOUS
  
 
                              CHAPTER VIII
 
                             MISCELLANEOUS
 
  
 87.
  
 Exemption of  a factory  or establishment  or class  of  factories
 orestablishments.
  
 
      87. Exemption of a factory or establishment or class of factories
 or establishments.-The appropriate Government, may, by notification in
 the Official  Gazette  and  subject  to  such  conditions  as  may  be
 specified in  the notification, exempt any factory or establishment or
 class of  factories or  establishments in  any specified area from the
 operation of this Act for a period not exceeding one year and may from
 time to time by like notification renew any such exemption for periods
 not exceeding one year at a time.
 
  
 88.
  
 Exemption of persons or class of persons.
  
 
      88. Exemption of persons  or class  of persons.-  The appropriate
 Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to
 such conditions  as it  may deem  fit to impose, exempt any persons or
 class of  persons employed in any factory or establishment or class of
 factories or  establishments  to  which  this  Act  applies  from  the
 operation of the Act.
 
  
 89.
  
 Corporation to make representation.
  
 
      89. Corporation  to make  representation.- No exemption shall  be
 granted or renewed under section 87 or section 88, unless a reasonable
 opportunity  has   been  given   to  the   Corporation  to   make  any
 representation it  may wish to make in regard to the proposal and such
 representation has been considered by the appropriate Government.
 
  
 90.
  
 Exemption of  factories or  establishments belonging  to Government orany local
 authority.
  
 
      90.  Exemption   of  factories  or  establishments  belonging  to
 Government or  any local  authority.- The appropriate  Government  may
 7*[after consultation  with the  Corporation,] by  notification in the
 Official Gazette and subject to such conditions as may be specified in
 the notification,  exempt any  factory or  establishment belonging  to
 8*** any local authority 7*[from
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 1.  Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  36 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 22.
 3.   Subs. by  Act 44 of 1966, s. 35, for "Central Government" (w.e.f.
      17-6-1967).
 4.  Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 37 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 5.  Omitted by s. 37, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 6.  Ins.  by s.  38, ibid.  (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 7.  Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 36 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 8.  Omitted by Act 29 of 1989, s. 39 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 265
 
 the operation  of this  Act], if  the employees in any such factory or
 establishment are  otherwise  in  receipt  of  benefits  substantially
 similar or superior to the benefits provided under this Act.
 
  
 91.
  
 Exemption from one or more provisions of the Act.
  
 
      91. Exemption  from one  or  more provisions  of  the  Act.-  The
 appropriate Government  may, with  the consent  of the Corporation, by
 notification in the Official Gazette, exempt any employees or class of
 employees in  any factory  or establishment  or class  of factories or
 establishments from  one or  more of  the provisions  relating to  the
 benefits provided under this Act.
 
  
 91A.
  
 Exemptions to be either prospective or retrospective.
  
 
      1*[91A. Exemptions to be either prospective or retrospective.- Any
 notification granting  exemption under section 87, section 88, section
 90  or  section  91  may  be  issued  so  as  to  take  effect  either
 prospectively or  retrospectively on  such date  as may  be  specified
 therein.]
 
  
 91B.
  
 Misuse of benefits.
  
 
      2*[91B.  Misuse   of  benefits.- If  the  Central  Government  is
 satisfied that  the benefits  under this  Act  are  being  misused  by
 insured persons in a factory or establishment, that Government may, by
 order, published in the Official Gazette, disentitle such persons from
 such of the benefits as it thinks fit:
 
      Provided that  no such  order shall be passed unless a reasonable
 opportunity of  being heard  is given  to  the  concerned  factory  or
 establishment, insured  persons and  the trade unions registered under
 the  Trade   Unions  Act,  1926  (16 of 1926) having  members  in  the
 factory  or establishment.
 
  
 91C.
  
 Writing off of losses.
  
 
      91C. Writing  off of losses.- Subject to the conditions as may be
 prescribed by  the Central  Government, where  the Corporation  is  of
 opinion that  the amount  of contribution, interest and damages due to
 the Corporation  is irrecoverable,  the Corporation  may sanction  the
 writing off finally of the said amount.]
 
  
 92.
  
 Power of Central Government to give directions.
  
 
      92. Power  of Central Government to give directions.- 3*[(1)] The
 Central  Government may  give directions  to  a  State  Government  as
 to  the carrying into execution of this Act in the State.
 
      4*[(2) The  Central Government  may, from time to time, give such
 directions to  the Corporation  as it  may think fit for the efficient
 administration of  the Act,  and if  any such  direction is given, the
 Corporation shall comply with such direction.]
 
  
 93.
  
 Corporation officers and servants to be public servants.
  
 
      93. Corporation  officers and servants to be public servants.-All
 officers and  servants of the Corporation shall be deemed to be public
 servants within the meaning of   section  21  of the Indian Penal Code
 (45 of 1860).
 
  
 93A.
  
 Liability in case of transfer of establishment.
  
 
     5*[93A. Liability  in case of transfer of establishment.- Where an
 employer, in  relation to  a factory  or establishment, transfers that
 factory or  establishment in whole or in part, by sale, gift, lease or
 licence or in any other manner whatsoever, the employer and the person
 to whom  the factory  or establishment is so transferred shall jointly
 and severally  be liable  to pay  the amount  due in  respect  of  any
 contribution or  any other amount payable under this Act in respect of
 the periods up to the date of such transfer:
 
      Provided that the liability of the transferee shall be limited to
 the value of the assets obtained by him by such transfer.]
 
  
 94.
  
 Contributions, etc.,  due to  Corporation to  have priority over otherdebts.
  
 
      94. Contributions, etc., due to Corporation to have priority over
 other debts.- There shall  be deemed  to be  included among  the debts
 which, under  section 49 of the Presidency-towns Insolvency  Act, 1909
 (3 of  1909). or  under section  61 of  the Provincial Insolvency Act,
 1920 (5 of 1920), 6*[or under any law relating to insolvency in force
 7*[in the territories which, immediately before the 1st November, 1956
 were comprised  in a  Part B  State]], 8*[or  under section 530 of the
 Companies  Act,  1956  (1 of 1956.)],  are, in the distribution of the
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 37 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 2.  Ins.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  40 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989)
 3.  Renubered by s.  41, ibid.  (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 4.  Ins. by s. 41, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 5.   Ins. by Act 38 of 1975, s. 6 (w.e.f. 1-9-1975).
 6.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 23.
 7.   Subs. by  the Adaptation  of Laws  (No. 3) Order, 1956, for "in a
      Part B State".
 8.   Subs. by Act 29 of 1989, s. 42 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 
 266
 
 property of  the insolvent  or in  the distribution of the assets of a
 company being wound up, to be paid in priority to all other debts, the
 amount due  in respect of any contribution or any other amount payable
 under this  Act the  liability wherefor accured before the date of the
 order of  adjudication of the insolvent or the date of the winding up,
 as the case may be.
 
  
 94A.
  
 Delegation of powers.
  
 
      1*[94A. Delegation of powers.- The Corporation,  and, subject to
 any regulations  made by  the Corporation in this behalf, the Standing
 Committee may direct that all or any of the powers and functions which
 may be  exercised or  performed by  the Corporation  or  the  Standing
 Committee, as  the case  may be,  may, in relation to such matters and
 subject to  such conditions,  if any,  as may  be specified,  be  also
 exercisable  by   any  officer   or  authority   subordinate  to   the
 Corporation.]
 
  
 95.
  
 Power of Central Government to make rules.
  
 
      95. Power  of Central  Government to make rules.- (1) The Central
 Government  may,  2*[after  consultation  with  the  Corporation  and]
 subject to  the condition  of previous  publication, make rules3*  not
 inconsistent with  this Act  for the  purpose of  giving effect to the
 provisions thereof.
 
      (2) In  particular and without prejudice to the generality of the
 foregoing power,  such rules  may  provide  for  all  or  any  of  the
 following matters, namely:--
 
      4*[ (a) the  limit of  wages beyond  which a  person shall not be
 deemed to be an employee;
 
      (ab) the  limit of maximum monthly salary for the purpose of sub-
 section (1) of section 17;]
 
      5*[(ac)] the  manner in  which 4*[appointments]  and elections of
 members of  the Corporation,  the Standing  Committee and  the Medical
 Benefit Council shall be made;
 
           (b) the  quorum at meetings of the Corporation, the Standing
                Committee and  the  Medical  benefit  Council  and  the
                minimum number  of meetings  of those bodies to be held
                in a year;
 
           (c) the records to be kept of the transaction of business by
                the Corporation, the Standing Committee and the Medical
                Benefit Council;
 
           (d) the powers and duties of the 6*[Director General and the
                Financial Commissioner]  and the  conditions  of  their
                service;
 
           (e) the powers and duties of the Medical Benefit Council ;
 
      4*[(ea)  the   types  of   expenses  which   may  be   termed  as
 administrative expenses,  the percentage  of income of the Corporation
 which may be spent for such expenses;
 
      (eb) the  rates of  contributions and limits of wages below which
 employees are not liable to pay contribution;
 
      (ec) the manner of calculation of the average daily wage;
 
      (ed) the  manner of  certifying the certificate to recover amount
 by the Recovery Officer;
 
      (ee) the amount of funeral expenses;
 
     (ef) the qualifications, conditions, rates and period of sickness,
 benefit,  maternity   benefit,  disablement   benefit  and  dependents
 benefit;
 
      (eg) the  conditions for  grant of  medical benefits  for insured
 persons who  cease  to  be  in  insurable  employment  on  account  of
 permanent disablement;
 
      (eh) the conditions for grant of medical benefits for persons who
 have attained the age of Superannuation;]
 
      5*[el)] the manner in which and the time within which appeals may
 be filed to medical appeal tribunals or Employees' Insurance Courts;]
 
      (f) the procedure to be adopted in the execution of contracts;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 24.
 2.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 38 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   For the  Employees' State  Insurance (Central)  Rules, 1950,  see
      Gazette of India, 1950, Pt, II, Sec. 3, p. 202.
 4.   Ins. by Act  29 of 1989 s. 43 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 5.   Relettered by s. 43, ibid. (w.e.f. 21-10-1989).
 6.   Subs. by s. 43, ibid. (w.e.f. 21-10-1989).
 
 266A
 
           (g) the acquisition, holding and disposal of property by the
                Corporation;
 
           (h) the raising and repayment of loans;
 
           (i) the  investment of  the funds  of the Corporation and of
                any provident  or other benefit fund and their transfer
                or realisation ;
 
           (j) the  basis on  which the  periodical  valuation  of  the
                assets and  liabilities of  the  Corporation  shall  be
                made;
 
           (k) the  bank or banks in which the funds of the Corporation
                may be  deposited, the  procedure  to  be  followed  in
                regard to  the crediting  of moneys accruing or payable
                to the Corporation and the manner in which any sums may
                be paid  out of  the Corporation funds and the officers
                by whom such payment may be authorized;
 
           (l) the accounts to be maintained by the Corporation and the
                forms in  which such  accounts shall  be kept  and  the
                times at which such accounts shall be audited;
 
           (m) the  publication of  the accounts of the Corporation and
                the report  of auditors,  the action to be taken on the
                audit report,  the powers  of auditors  to disallow and
                surcharge items of expenditure and the recovery of sums
                so disallowed or surcharged;
 
           (n) the preparation of budget estimates and of supplementary
                estimates and  the manner in which such estimates shall
                be sanctioned and published;
 
           (o) the  establishment and maintenance of provident or other
                benefit  fund   for  officers   and  servants   of  the
                Corporation; 1***
 
      2*[(oa) the period of non-entitlement for cash benefit in case of
                conviction of an insured person ;]
 
           (p) any  matter which  is required or allowed by this Act to
                be prescribed by the Central Government.
 
      3*[(2A) The  power to  make rules conferred by this section shall
 include the  power to  give retrospective  effect,  from  a  date  not
 earlier than the date of commencement of this Act, to the rules or any
 of them  but no  retrospective effect shall be given to any rule so as
 to prejudicially  affect the  interest of  any person  other than  the
 Corporation to whom such rule may be applicable.]
 
      (3) Rules  made under  this section  shall be  published  in  the
 Official Gazette and thereupon shall have effect as if enacted in this
 Act.
 
      4*[(4) Every  rule made under this section shall be laid, as soon
 as may  be after  it is made, before each House of Parliament while it
 is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised
 in one  session 5*[or  in two  or more  successive sessions,  and  if,
 before the  expiry of the session immediately following the session or
 the successive  sessions aforesaid]  both Houses  agree in  making any
 modification in the rule of both
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Omitted by Act 29 of 1989, s.  43 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.  Ins. by s. 43, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.  Ins.  by Act 45, of 1984, s.  10 (w.e.f.  27-1-1985).
 4.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 38 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 5.   Subs. by  Act 38  of 1975,  s. 7,  for certain words (w.e.f. 1-9-
      1975).
 
 266B
 
 Houses agree  that the  rule  should  not  be  made,  the  rule  shall
 thereafter have  effect only in such modified form or be of no effect,
 as the  case may  be; so,  however,  that  any  such  modification  or
 annulment shall  be without  prejudice to  the  validity  of  anything
 previously done under that rule.]
 
  
 96.
  
 Power of State Government to make rules.
  
 
      96. Power  of State  Government to  make  rules.- (1)  The  State
 Government  may,  1*[after  consultation  with  the  Corporation  and]
 subject to  the condition  of previous  publication,  make  rules  not
 inconsistent with  this Act  in regard  to all or any of the following
 matters, namely:--
 
           (a) the  constitution of  Employees' Insurance  Courts,  the
                qualifications of  persons who  may be appointed Judges
                thereof, and the conditions of service of such Judges;
 
           (b) the  procedure to be followed in proceedings before such
                Courts and the execution of orders made by such Courts;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 39 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 267
 
           (c) the  fee payable  in respect of applications made to the
                Employees' Insurance Court, the costs incidental to the
                proceedings  in   such  Court,   the  form   in   which
                applications should  be made  to it and the particulars
                to be specified in such applications;
 
           (d) the  establishment of  hospitals, dispensaries and other
                institutions, the allotment of insured persons or their
                families to  any such  hospital,  dispensary  or  other
                institution;
 
           (e) the  scale of medical benefit which shall be provided at
                any hospital,  clinic, dispensary  or institution,  the
                keeping  of  medical  records  and  the  furnishing  of
                statistical returns;
 
           (f) the  nature and  extent  of  the  staff,  equipment  and
                medicine that  shall be  provided  at  such  hospitals,
                dispensaries and institutions;
 
           (g) the  conditions of service of the staff employed at such
                hospitals dispensaries and institutions; and
 
           (h) any  other matter  which is  required or allowed by this
                Act to be prescribed by the State Government.
 
      (2) Rules  made under  this section  shall be  published  in  the
 Official Gazette and thereupon shall have effect as if enacted in this
 Act.
 
      1*[(3)  Every  rule made under this section shall be laid as soon
 as may be after it is made, before each House of the State Legislature
 where it  consists of  two Houses, or, where such Legislature consists
 of one House, before that House.]
 
  
 97.
  
 Power of corporation to make regulations.
  
 
      97. Power of Corporation to make regulations.-(1) The Corporation
 may, 2*** subject to the condition  of   previous  publications,  make
 regulations, not  inconsistent  with  this  Act  and  the  rules  made
 thereunder, for  the administration  of the affairs of the Corporation
 and for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act.
 
      (2) In  particular and without prejudice to the generality of the
 foregoing power,  such regulations  may provide  for all or any of the
 following matters, namely:--
 
           (i) the  time and  place of meetings of the Corporation, the
                Standing Committee  and the Medical Benefit Council and
                the procedure to be followed at such meetings;
 
           3*[(ia) the  time within  which and  the manner  in which  a
                factory or establishment shall be registered;]
 
           (ii) the  matters which  shall be  referred by  the Standing
                Committee to the Corporation for decision;
 
           (iii) the  manner in  which any  contribution payable  under
                this Act shall be assessed and collected;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.    Ins. by Act 45 of 1984, s. 11 (w.e.f. 27-1-1985).
 2.    Ins. by s. 12, ibid. and omitted by Act 29 of 1989, s. 44
       (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.    Ins.  by Act 44 of 1966, s.  40 (w.e.f.  28-1-1968).
 
 268
 
      1*[(iiia)  the  rate of  interest higher than twelve per cent. on
                 delayed payment of contributions;]
           (iv)  reckoning  of  wages  for the purpose   of fixing the
                 contribution payable under this Act;
       2*[(iva) the register of employees to be maintained by the
                immediate employer;
 
 
      (ivb) the  entitlement of sickness benefit or disablement benefit
            for temporary  disablement on any day on which person works
            or remains on leave or on holiday   and in respect of which
            he  receives  wages  or for  any  day on which he remains on
            strike;]
 
        (v) the  certification of  sickness and  eligibility for any
            cash benefit.
 
      3*[(vi) the  method of  determining whether  an insured person is
              suffering from  one or  more of  the diseases  specified in  the
 Third
              Schedule;]
 
           (vii) the  assessing of the money value of any benefit which
                is not a cash benefit;
 
           (viii) the  time within  which 4*[and the form and manner in
                which] any  claim for  a benefit  may be  made and  the
                particulars to be specified in such claim;
 
           (ix) the  circumstances in  which an  employee in receipt of
                disablement  benefit   may  be  dismissed,  discharged,
                reduced or otherwise punished;
 
           (x) the  manner in which and the place and time at which any
                benefit shall be paid;
 
           (xi) the  method of  calculating the  amount of cash benefit
                payable and  the circumstances  in which and the extent
                to which  commutation of  disablement  and  dependant's
                benefits, may  be allowed and the method of calculating
                the commutation value;
 
           (xii) the  notice of  pregnancy or of confinement and notice
                and proof of sickness;
 
           5*[(xiia)  specifying   the  authority   competent  to  give
                certificate of eligibility for maternity benefit;
 
           (xiib) the  manner of  nomination by  an insured  woman  for
                payment of  maternity benefit  in case  of her  or  her
                child's death;
 
           (xiic) the  production of  proof in  support  of  claim  for
                maternity benefit or additional maternity benefit;]
 
           (xiii)  the  conditions  under  which  any  benefit  may  be
                   suspended;
 
           (xiv) the  conditions to  be observed  by a  person when  in
                receipt of  any  benefit  and  the  periodical  medical
                examination of such persons;
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.  Subs.  Act 29 of 1989, s.  44 (w.e.f.  20-10-1989).
 2.   Ins. by s. 44, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 3.   Subs. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 40, for cl. (iv) (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 4.   Subs. by  s. 40, ibid., for "and the form in which" (w.e.f. 28-1-
      1968).
 5.   Ins. by s. 40, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 
 269
 
       1*            *                 *              *                 *
 
       (xvi) the  appointment  of  medical  practitioners  for  the
                purposes of  this Act, the duties of such practitioners
                and the form of medical certificates;
 
           2*[(xvia) the  qualifications and  experience which a person
                should possess for giving certificate of sickness;
 
           (xvib) the constitution of medical boards and medical appeal
                tribunals;]
 
           (xvii) the  penalties for breach of regulations by fine (not
                exceeding two  days' wages  for a  first breach and not
                exceeding three  days' wages for any subsequent breach)
                which may be imposed on employees;
 
      3*[(xviia)  the amount of damages to be recovered as penalty;
 
      (xviib) the  terms and  conditions for  reduction  or  waiver  of
              damages in relation to a sick industrial company;]
 
      (xviii) the  circumstances in which and the conditions subject to
              which any regulation may  be  relaxed, the extent of such
              relaxation, and the authority by whom such relaxation may
              be granted;
 
           4*[(xix) the  returns to  be submitted  and the registers or
                records to be maintained by the principal and immediate
                employers, the  forms of  such  returns,  registers  or
                records, and  the times at which such returns should be
                submitted  and  the  particulars  which  such  returns,
                registers and records should contain;]
 
           (xx) the  duties and  power of Inspectors and other officers
                and servants of the Corporation;
 
           5*[(xxi) the  method of  recruitment,  pay  and  allowances,
                discipline,   superannuation    benefits   and    other
                conditions of  service of  the officers and servants of
                the Corporation  other than the 6*[Director General and
                Financial Commissioner]];
 
           (xxii)  the   procedure  to   be   followed   in   remitting
                contributions to the Corporation ; and
 
           (xxiii) any  matter in  respect  of  which  regulations  are
                required or permitted to be made by this Act.
 
      7*[(2A) The  condition of previous publication shall not apply to
 any regulations of the nature specified in clause (xxi) of sub-section
 (2).]
 
      (3) Regulations made by the Corporation shall be published in the
 Gazette of India and thereupon shall have effect as if enacted in this
 Act.
 
      8*[(4)  Every  regulation shall,  as soon  as may be, after it is
 made by  the Corporation,  be forwarded  to the Central Government and
 that Government  shall cause a copy of the same to be laid before each
 House of  Parliament, while  it is  in session  for a  total period of
 thirty days,  which may  be comprised in one session or in two or more
 successive sessions,  and  if,  before  the  expiry  of  the  sessiion
 immediatly     following  the  session  the   successive      sessions
 aforesaid, both  Houses  agree  in  making  any  modification  in  the
 regulation or  both Houses  agree that  the regulation  should not  be
 made, the  regulation  shall  thereafter  have  effect  only  in  such
 modified form  or be  of no  effect, as  the case may be; so, however,
 that any  such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to
 the validity of any thing previously done under that regulation.]
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.   Omitted, by Act 29 of 1989, s.  44 (w.e.f.  20-10
      1989).
 2.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 40 (w.e.f. 28-1-1968).
 3.   Ins. by s. 44, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 4.   Subs. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 25, for cl. (xix).
 5.   Subs. by s. 25, ibid., for the former clause.
 6.   Subs. Act 29 of 1989 s. 44 (w.e.f. 20-10-1989).
 7.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 25.
 8.   Ins. by Act 45 of 1984 s. 12 (w.e.f. 27-1-1985).
 
 270
 
  
 98.
  
 [Repealed.]
  
 
       98.[Corporation may  undertake duties   in  Part  B.  States.]-
 Rep. by  the Employees' State  Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1951 (53 of
 1951), s. 26.
 
  
 99.
  
 Medical care for the families of insured persons.
  
 
      1*[99. Medical  care for the families of insured persons.- At any
 time when  its  funds  so  permit,  the  Corporation  may  provide  or
 contribute towards  the cost  of medical  care  for  the  families  of
 insured persons.]
 
  
 99A.
  
 Power to remove difficulties.
  
 
      2*[99A. Power   to remove  difficulties.- (1) If  any  difficulty
 arises in  giving effect  to the  provisions of  this Act, the Central
 Government may,  by order published in the Official Gazette, make such
 provisions  or   give  such  directions,  not  inconsistent  with  the
 provisions of  this Act, as appears to it to be necessary or expedient
 for removing the difficulty.
 
      (2)  Any   order  made  under  this  section  shall  have  effect
 notwithstanding  anything  inconsistent  therewith  in  any  rules  or
 regulations made under this Act.]
 
  
 100.
  
 Repeals and savings.
  
 
      3*[100. Repeals  and savings.- If, immediately  before the day on
 which this  Act comes  into force  4*[in any  part of  the territories
 which, immediately  before the 1st November, 1956, were comprised in a
 Part  B   State],  there   is  in  force  in  5*[that  part]  any  law
 corresponding to  this  Act,  that  law  shall,  on  such  day,  stand
 repealed:
 
      Provided that the repeal shall not effect--
 
           (a) the previous operations of any such law, or
 
           (b)  any  penalty,  forfeiture  or  punishment  incurred  in
                respect of  any offence committed against any such law,
                or
 
           (c) any  investigation or  remedy in  respect  of  any  such
                penalty, forfeiture or punishment;
 
 and  any  such  investigation,  legal  proceeding  or  remedy  may  be
 instituted, continued  or enforced and any such penalty, forfeiture or
 punishment may be imposed, as if this Act had not been passed:
 
      Provided further  that subject  to the preceding proviso anything
 done or  any action  taken under  any such law shall be deemed to have
 been done  or taken  under the corresponding provision of this Act and
 shall continue in
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 1.  Subs.  by Act 29 of 1989, s.  45 (w.e.f ..).
 2.   Ins. by Act 44 of 1966, s. 41 (w.e.f. 17-6-1967).
 3.   Ins. by Act 53 of 1951, s. 27.
 4.   Subs. by  the Adaptation  of Laws  (No. 3) Order, 1956, for "in a
      Part B State".
 5.   Subs. ibid., for "that State".
 
 271
 
 force accordingly  unless and until superseded by anything done or any
 action taken under this Act.]
 
 274/1
 The Frist Schedule. Rep. by the Employees' State  Insurance (Amendment) Act
 1989, s. 46.