WS Industries has secured partial relief in a long-pending Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) dispute, with the Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, Chennai, waiving 50% of assessed damages.

The tribunal’s order, dated August 25, 2026, directs the company to pay the remaining ₹5.96 lakhs within three months. The ruling pertains to EPFA No. 259 of 2017 and relates to provident fund contribution defaults between November 1990 and March 2012.

Order Details

The tribunal partly allowed the appeal filed by WS Industries against an April 1, 2013 order by the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (PDC), Tambaram. The original assessment included damages of ₹11,91,943 under Section 14B and interest of ₹9,92,639 under Section 7Q of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

The company received the certified copy of the order on August 29, 2026, and became aware of its contents on August 31, 2026. The tribunal pronounced the order on July 21, 2026.

Historical Context

The proceedings relate to delays in remitting employee provident fund contributions during a period when the company faced severe financial distress and operational disruptions. This period predates the takeover of the company by the present management.

Financial Impact

WS Industries stated that the order is not expected to have any material impact on its current financial position, operations, or business activities. The company is taking necessary steps to comply with the directions within the prescribed timeframe.

What the Numbers Show

The waiver effectively reduces the total liability from the original assessment of ₹11,91,943 in damages to approximately half that amount. While the appeal against the ₹9,92,639 interest component was rejected as not maintainable, the significant reduction in the principal damages liability provides a clear resolution to this legacy dispute.

W S Industries promoter Mamatha P acquired 7,900 equity shares of the company in the open market on August 26 and 27, 2026. The purchase brings her total stake to 1.371% of the company’s voting capital.

The acquisition was disclosed under Regulation 29(2) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011. Mamatha P is part of the promoter group.

Holding Details

Before the transaction, Mamatha P held 1,89,434 shares carrying voting rights, representing 0.250% of the total share capital. She also had 8,42,853 shares encumbered, accounting for 1.110% of the capital. Her total interest before the buy was 10,32,287 shares, or 1.360% of the voting capital.

Following the open market purchases, her unencumbered voting rights increased to 10,40,187 shares. The disclosure notes that there were no warrants, convertible securities, or other instruments entitling her to receive additional shares. Her diluted stake remains at 0.96%.

Capital Structure

The company’s total equity share capital stands at ₹75,89,53,180, divided into 7,58,95,318 equity shares of ₹10 each. The total diluted share capital is ₹1,03,39,53,180, comprising 10,33,95,318 diluted shares.