Mens rea actus reus not an essential element for imposing penalty for breach of civil obligations & liabilities: SC

Horticulture Experiment Station Gon Ikoppal Vs Regional Provident Fund Organization (Supreme Court) Facts- The undisputed facts culled out from the record are that the establishment of the appellant(s) is covered under the provisions of the Act 1952. On 31st December, 1974, under Code no.KN/8573 under scheduled head “Fruit Orchards”, the appellant(s) failed to comply with the provisions of Act 1952 from 1st January, 1975 to 31st October, 1988. For non-compliance of the mandate of Act 1952, proceedings were initiated under Section 7A and dues towards contribution of EPF for the intervening ...