The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has launched virtual hearing of cases to fast track dispute resolution and assessment of the dues of workers. The move is a step towards the provident fund body’s objective of faceless assessment in the future.

“With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to practice social distancing restrictions, virtual hearings are being conducted in most of the district and sessions courts. In the same spirit and with a view to provide expeditious and affordable adjudication to its establishments and subscribers, hearings under sections 7A and 14B of Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, will be conducted in a virtual mode,” the EPFO said in a statement.

A virtual court is aimed at eliminating the need for a physical presence of the litigant and lawyers.

There will be facilitation of e-notices and real time recording of proceedings and communication of orders.

Case status, including the daily and final orders, can also be accessible to all parties on the portal.

EPFO said that the launch was made after a successful pilot run at two regional offices of EPFO in July and August 2020. 90 quasi judicial cases were attended by higher management of establishments leading to quick disposals, consent orders and immediate compliances.