Lucknow Bench rules denial of reimbursement to legal heirs is arbitrary; directs reconsideration within two months
The Allahabad High Court, in a significant judgment, has held that legal heirs of a deceased government employee or pensioner are entitled to claim reimbursement of medical expenses if the beneficiary dies during treatment or becomes incapable of filing the claim.
The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Amitabh Kumar Rai while hearing a petition filed by Chandra Choor Singh.
Case Background
According to reports, the petitioner’s father, a retired deputy registrar, underwent treatment at private hospitals in Lucknow, where he passed away during the course of treatment. Following his death, the petitioner sought reimbursement of medical expenses incurred during the treatment.
However, the concerned department rejected the claim, stating that under existing rules, only the “beneficiary” himself could apply for reimbursement.
State Government’s Argument Rejected
The state government relied on the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2011, arguing that only the beneficiary is eligible to make such claims. It also pointed to a Rs 5,000 limit mentioned in the succession certificate submitted by the petitioner.
The court, however, rejected these arguments, observing that such a restrictive interpretation was unjust and violated the principle of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Court Applies ‘Reading Down’ Principle
The bench applied the legal doctrine of “reading down” to interpret Rule 16 of the 2011 Rules in a manner that includes legal heirs within its ambit.
The court emphasized that if a beneficiary dies or becomes incapable of filing a claim, their legal heirs cannot be denied reimbursement solely on technical grounds.
No Denial on Technical Grounds
The High Court further clarified that in cases where there is no dispute regarding legal heirship, authorities should not reject claims merely due to procedural or technical objections.
Directions to Authorities
The court directed the concerned authority to reconsider the petitioner’s claim within two months. If the claim is found valid, the reimbursement must be processed and paid within one month thereafter.
Significance of the Judgment
This ruling sets an important precedent for government employees and pensioners, ensuring that their families are not deprived of rightful medical reimbursements due to procedural limitations. It reinforces the constitutional guarantee of equality and prevents undue hardship to legal heirs.
