In Brief
The Supreme Court held that employees' provident fund dues have priority over other debts when cooperative society assets are distributed. Interpreting the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 alongside the Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Societies Act, 1964, the Court ruled that provident fund dues must be treated as 'dues payable to workmen and employees' under the highest priority category. Rejecting a separate lower priority category for provident funds, the Court harmonized both statutes to protect worker entitlements, affirming the High Court's decision and disposing of the appeal.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.