Section 131 - Other modes of recovery

Recovery of social security arrears via third party notices, deductions, court applications and distraint with liability safeguards.

Section 131 authorises the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Director General or authorised officers to recover employer arrears through multiple modes, notably by requiring third parties who owe or hold money for the employer to pay or deduct sums sufficient to discharge arrears. Notices sent to banks, post offices or other holders bind recipients to comply without production of documents; joint account shares are presumed equal. A sworn objection that no money is due relieves payment but, if materially false, renders the objector personally liable up to his liability to the employer or the employer's liability under the Code. Noncompliance deems the recipient an employer in default and enables further recovery, and distraint is permitted if authorised.