Any employee who crosses the age of 58 years is an exempted employee under EPF & MP Act and not need to cover them under this act.
An empolyee without any age limit is to be covered under ESI Act.
A consultant is not an employee.There are many companies which issue appointment letter to consultant and pays remuneration along with employees every month by including in the payroll.In such cases, there is a possibility that the Inspecting Authorities bringing them in the coverage of the PF & ESI acts.
It is better, you always issue a workorder/purchase order for a consultant and advise him to raise an invoice every month for payment of his remuneration. You have to pay 10.30% as Service Tax and all other issues raised by you may not be there.