Can a Terminated Employee Request a PF Advance for Marriage Needs?

Sir,

One of our employees was terminated in 2014, and the matter is pending with the labor court. He has approached us for the withdrawal of an advance under para 68K for marriage purposes. Is he eligible for this withdrawal? Our view is that the member should submit his form under para 69, i.e., full withdrawal of PF.

As per Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952

68-H Grant of advances in special cases

-(1-A) In case a provident fund member is discharged, dismissed, or retrenched by the employer, and such discharge, dismissal, or retrenchment is challenged by the member and the cases are pending in a Court of Law, an officer not below the rank of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner may, on an application from the member in such form as may be prescribed, authorize payment to him of one or more non-recoverable advances from his Provident Fund Account not exceeding fifty percent of his own share of contribution with interest thereon standing to his credit in the fund on the date of such authorization.

Regards,
Amit