1. Sir, there is no relationship between EPF & MPs Act, 1952, ESI Act, 1948, the Factories Act, and the Shop & Commercial Establishment Act(s) of the concerned States. The scope and coverage in these Acts are independent of each Act. No comparison can be made except that if coverage is established under these Acts, compliance is compulsory, and non-compliance may result in the prosecution of the defaulting principal employer as defined in said Acts. There can be specific exemptions as in the case of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Employees' Compensation Act relating to some matters/benefits available under the ESI Act, 1948.
2. The person who raised this thread (anonymous) can go through the above Acts, and if there is any doubt, he can raise the same based on relevant sections and rules, etc. I feel that a comparison of different Acts is meaningless and of no use. There are various establishments that are covered or coverable under the Shop & Commercial Establishment Act (of the concerned State) as well as under the ESI Act, 1948, and EPF & MPs Act, 1952. Even if a unit is not covered under the Factories Act, it does not mean that the said unit should not be covered under the ESI Act, 1948, or even under the EPF & MPs Act, 1948. Each department conducts its surveys or inspections independently, and non-coverage by any other department under any Act is not a relevant issue.