Dear Jhuma
There is a phrase called "with reference to context".
Just like you explained in this post (which has made the situation very clear) had you asked/framed the question with a reference to context like :
"One of my friend was arguing that "PF need not be mandatory, it can be optional". Is he correct ?"
It would have solved the problem, without it being a LENGTHY QUESTION.
But simply asking "Can PF be optional ?" !!! Its like asking "Can Theft be a Crime ?"
I guess the old school teachers of previous century, would have caned you on you-know-where. :-D
Please understand, senior members are hard pressed for time and at times they can feel exasperated with such questions which do sound (pardon me for this) silly.
Ideally, you should have posted this question under the "Talk To Seniors" threads and not under HRM thread; under the Human Resources Section.
And, please refrain from bad-mouthing members. CiteHR is a wonderful site for HR professionals and the members are generally very HELPFUL. Please remember, anybody who is posting his comments (whether its to your liking or not) has spent his precious time in reading your posts and responding to it.
It is OK if you can not be THANKFUL to them for expressing their personal opinion.
Regards.