The Ministry Of Coal (MoC) on September 10, 2026, issued the Coal Mines Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026.
The rules prescribe the procedure for handling complaints relating to contravention or non-compliance under the Act or any scheme. An Inspector, adjudicating officer or authorised officer may conduct preliminary verification and refer prima facie cases for adjudication. The adjudicating officer may initiate proceedings suo motu or based on complaints, inspection/compliance reports or other relevant material, and may call for records, documents, explanations and reports. A notice must specify the alleged contravention, relevant provisions, supporting material and hearing details, and ordinarily provide 15 to 30 days for submission of a reply.
The rules provide for hearings, authorised representation and service of notices through speed post, electronic means, hand delivery or other permitted modes. The adjudicating officer has specified civil-court powers and must consider factors such as the nature and duration of the violation, persons affected, previous contraventions, gains or losses, intent, cooperation and corrective action while determining the penalty. A reasoned order may drop proceedings or impose a penalty and may also require corrective measures for continuing non-compliance.
Penalties are required to be deposited within the period specified in the order, failing which they may be recovered as arrears of land revenue. An aggrieved person may appeal against an adjudicating officer’s order within 30 days of receipt, with delayed appeals permitted where sufficient cause is shown. Appeals may be filed physically or electronically, and the appellate authority may confirm, modify, set aside or remand the order; appeals are to be disposed of, as far as practicable, within 60 days.
They shall come into force on September 10, 2026.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 804(E)]
