A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar, J.:— The petitioner has approached this Court aggrieved by Ext.P20 order, and the consequent demand raised against him for recovery of ESI dues. It is the case of the petitioner that, by Ext.P12 application filed before the 1 respondent, the petitioner has sought for an exemption from the provisions of the Employees State Insurance (ESI) Act, and the said application has been heard by the 1 respondent on 02.08.2017, although orders have not been passed till date. It is stated that, in the meanwhile, Ext.P20 order has been passed confirming a demand of ESI dues on the petitioner.
2. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the Standing Counsel for the ESI Corporation and learned Government Pleader for the official respondents of the State.
3. On a consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made across the bar, I dispose the writ petition by directing the 1 respondent to pass orders on Ext.P12 application submitted by the petitioner, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. I make it clear that, till such time as orders are passed by the 1 respondent, as directed, and the orders communicated to the petitioner, recovery steps pursuant to Ex. P20 order shall be kept in abeyance. The petitioner shall, in the meanwhile, take steps to prefer a statutory appeal against Ext.P20 order, before the appellate authority, under the Act.