Calcutta HC: Medical Trainees Not 'Employees' Under EPF Act, Quashes ₹18.74 Lakh PF Demand

• Calcutta High Court ruled that trainee medical representatives are not 'employees' under the EPF Act.
• The court upheld an Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal order, quashing a ₹18.74 lakh PF demand.
• Justice Shampa Dutt dismissed a writ petition by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner against M/s Clar Sehen Private Ltd.
• The tribunal had previously set aside the demand, stating Model Standing Orders apply in absence of certified ones.
• Trainees receiving stipends without employment rights cannot be classified as employees under the EPF Act.