M I SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The medical profession is a noble and learned one, regarded with deep respect from time immemorial. Its motto is service and care for the suffering humanity. The Supreme Court, in its judgment reported as State of Punjab Vs. Shiv Ram 2005(7) SCC 1, described the profession as follows :

(2.) Notice had been issued in these proceedings on 17.2.2006. Having regard to the urgency in the case, short time was granted to the respondents to file the return. When the case was listed on 8.3.2006, no response was forthcoming. Consequently, a direction was issued to the Additional Director, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) to be present in Court today. None is present in spite of the directions. Learned counsel for the respondent states that despite her best endeavours neither any file has been made available nor has any representation of the respondents come to the Court. It is also stated that a copy of the order was communicated to the respondents on the same date, viz. 8.2.2006.

(3.) The petitioner is a Central Government pensioner having retired as Joint Director in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in the year 1989. As per the averments and the materials on record he is pensioner entitled to benefits and facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), being holder of a full life-time card which is valid for his entire life. This entitles him and his dependent family treatment to free medical treatment in the hospitals managed under the Scheme, and in addition, to medical treatment in recognized private hospitals, as per the terms and conditions applicable in that regard.