S D KINRA Vs. UOI AND ORS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner before this Court is a senior citizen who retired from Government service on 30.6.1989. On being referred by CGHS Dispensary to ENT Specialist, the petitioner was advised use of digital hearing aid. The petitioner was asked to obtain three quotations, which he was able to obtain with great difficulty. Those quotations were then handed over to CGHS Dispensary, Janak Puri which forwarded those documents to the supplier and also sought sanction of Rs.59,000/- for purchase of the hearing aid. Despite sanction having been accorded and the petitioner having submitted the documents to CGHS, Janakpuri claiming reimbursement, no payment was made to him. The petitioner, therefore, filed this petition, inter alia, seeking reimbursement of the aforesaid amount of Rs.59,000/- with interest. He also sought damages to the tune of Rs.5 lac for the harassment and sufferings caused to him. He also sought directions that the local dispensary may handle all the work relating to senior citizens/ pensioners, including inviting quotations.

(2.) During pendency of this petition, the petitioner was paid Rs.58,900/- towards reimbursement for hearing aid purchased by him.

(3.) In their reply, the respondents submitted that they have since modified their procedure and issued new guidelines vide OM dated 21.3.2012. It has, however, been admitted by the respondents that the cost of the battery is not reimbursed to the CGHS beneficiary, who is advised to wear hearing aid.