P.VENKATACHALAM Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WITH the consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal.

(2.) THE petitioner was a Forest Guard at the relevant point of time. His minor daughter, V.Sasikala, aged 10 years, underwent specialized surgery, i.e., Open Heart Surgery (Correction of Congenital Complex) at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, on 27.09.1999. The petitioner is covered by the Tamil Nadu Government Employees Health Fund Scheme. He incurred a sum of Rs.78,822.51 as expenses for the said heart operation. However, the fourth respondent stated that the petitioner paid a sum of Rs.60,000/- and he has not produced bills for Rs.18,822.51. The fourth respondent issued the proceedings in No.1889/03 E2, dated 18.08.2003 sanctioning Rs.59,117/- subject to eligibility of the petitioner. However, the amount was not reimbursed by the Treasury Department.

(3.) THEREAFTER the fourth respondent sent another letter dated 18.08.2007 to the second respondent/the Chief Conservator of Forests, stating that the petitioner had claimed that he had incurred Rs.78,822.51 towards the medical expenses for the heart operation done on his daughter and he had paid a sum of Rs.60,000/- and the petitioner had not enclosed medical bills for Rs.18,822.51. It is further stated that from and out of Rs.60,000/-, he is entitled to get 75% of the amount, i.e., Rs.45,000/- as per G.O.Ms.No.400, dated 29.08.2000. However, the amount is not paid so far. The fourth respondent requested the second respondent to get an order from the Government, the first respondent herein, for reimbursement of Rs.45,000/- to the petitioner. Thereafter, the fourth respondent sent many letters to the second respondent to get an appropriate order from the Government. But the amount was not reimbursed. Hence, the petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking direction to the respondents to reimburse the medical expenses to the tune Rs.45,000/- with interest from the date of treatment till the date of reimbursement.