#Statutory Default

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that default in EPF contributions under Section 14 of the EPF Act automatically triggers criminal liability, even if recovery proceedings are stayed. The stay only halts civil enforcement, not criminal prosecution, exposing employers to legal action regardless of financial disputes or interim relief.

Supreme Court holds that contractual bars on pre-award interest are enforceable under Section 31(7)(a) of the Arbitration Act, but post-award interest is statutory and cannot be contracted out.