(1.) Both the respondents-contemner are present in Court. They have filed affidavits in furtherance to the orders of this Court dated 31.7.1996. They have explained before the Court that there are some practical difficulties with regard to getting sanction from the Finance Department. According to these officers delay normally results from the fact that they do not have sanction from the Finance Department and the Finance Department takes its own time in sanctioning the reference sent by their department, which results invariably in great delay in disposal of request for reimbursement of medical bills. This happens even if there are orders of the Court.
(2.) Copy of the order dated 31.7.1996 would be sent to the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary, Government of Punjab, for compliance and it is hereby directed that the Finance Secretary, Punjab shall fix period not exceeding a period of one month from the date on which the bill is received in his department to clear the said bill or pass such other appropriate directions as are called for keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case and the rules applicable.
(3.) In view of the unconditional apology tendered, more so the assurance given by these officers in person in Court today along with the affidavits filed, I consider it appropriate that another chance be given to these contemners to improve the working and to comply with the orders of the Court and not impose punishment upon them at this stage.