Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Akula Rambabu, a former Security Officer at the premises of Meta India Online Services Pvt. Ltd., where I served for almost 8 years. My employment, salary disbursement, and statutory payments including EPF and Gratuity were managed by the contractor Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Regrettably, after the contract between Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Meta ended in April 2024, Orion has not deposited around four months' worth of EPF contributions and the total Gratuity amount for my 8-year tenure. This amounts to approximately ₹1.4 lakhs in my case alone. Approximately 60–70 of my colleagues, who were employed under the same contractor at the same site, are facing similar issues.
To our dismay, Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has closed its offices across India, making it difficult to serve a legal notice or seek resolution.
I want to highlight that the security management team at Meta was fully aware of the contractor's obligations and operations. Despite knowing about the outstanding dues, they released the final settlement payments to the contractor at the end of the contract in April 2024. As the principal employer, Meta India was responsible for ensuring that statutory dues such as EPF and Gratuity were paid to outsourced employees. During onboarding, Meta carried out rigorous background checks on all security personnel but did not exhibit similar due diligence when choosing or overseeing the contractor.
Under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the principal employer can be held accountable in certain cases where contractors default on statutory dues.
Considering the situation, we are seeking legal advice and assistance on:
1. Can we initiate a legal case against the principal employer, Meta India Online Services Pvt. Ltd., for failing to ensure the payment of EPF and Gratuity?
2. What is the procedure to file a complaint or begin legal action either individually or as a collective group of affected employees?
3. Which government departments or labor authorities can we approach to escalate the issue (e.g., EPFO, Labour Commissioner, etc.)?
4. Is it possible to approach a Labour Court or file a Writ Petition in the High Court under the given circumstances?
Any guidance and support in helping us recover our rightful dues and ensure accountability for such practices would be greatly appreciated. We are ready to cooperate fully and provide all necessary documentation and evidence.
Thank you for your attention and support.
I am Akula Rambabu, a former Security Officer at the premises of Meta India Online Services Pvt. Ltd., where I served for almost 8 years. My employment, salary disbursement, and statutory payments including EPF and Gratuity were managed by the contractor Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Regrettably, after the contract between Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Meta ended in April 2024, Orion has not deposited around four months' worth of EPF contributions and the total Gratuity amount for my 8-year tenure. This amounts to approximately ₹1.4 lakhs in my case alone. Approximately 60–70 of my colleagues, who were employed under the same contractor at the same site, are facing similar issues.
To our dismay, Orion Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has closed its offices across India, making it difficult to serve a legal notice or seek resolution.
I want to highlight that the security management team at Meta was fully aware of the contractor's obligations and operations. Despite knowing about the outstanding dues, they released the final settlement payments to the contractor at the end of the contract in April 2024. As the principal employer, Meta India was responsible for ensuring that statutory dues such as EPF and Gratuity were paid to outsourced employees. During onboarding, Meta carried out rigorous background checks on all security personnel but did not exhibit similar due diligence when choosing or overseeing the contractor.
Under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, the principal employer can be held accountable in certain cases where contractors default on statutory dues.
Considering the situation, we are seeking legal advice and assistance on:
1. Can we initiate a legal case against the principal employer, Meta India Online Services Pvt. Ltd., for failing to ensure the payment of EPF and Gratuity?
2. What is the procedure to file a complaint or begin legal action either individually or as a collective group of affected employees?
3. Which government departments or labor authorities can we approach to escalate the issue (e.g., EPFO, Labour Commissioner, etc.)?
4. Is it possible to approach a Labour Court or file a Writ Petition in the High Court under the given circumstances?
Any guidance and support in helping us recover our rightful dues and ensure accountability for such practices would be greatly appreciated. We are ready to cooperate fully and provide all necessary documentation and evidence.
Thank you for your attention and support.