Selvarani Sebastian v. The Commissioner Of Treasuries And Accounts
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.06.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Selvarani Sebastian ... Petitioner -vs1.The Commissioner of Treasuries and Accounts, Amman Complex, 3rd Floor, No.571, Nandanam, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 035.
2.The Chief Manager, United India Insurance Company Limited, LBO - 01060134, Silingi Buildings, Greams Road, Chennai - 600 006.
3.The District Collector, Madurai, Madurai District.
4.The District Treasury Officer, District Treasury Office Madurai, Collectorate Complex, Madurai - 625 020.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 to provide the Medical Reimbursement a sum of Rs.8,83,572/- (Rupees Eight Lakhs Eighty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy Two only) along with interest to the petitioner in the light of the proceedings issued by the first respondent office to
second respondent office vide proceedings in R.C.No.CTA/21901/PNHIS-2/2024 dated 05.03.2025 within a time period stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Karunanidhi For R1, R3 and R4 : Mr.K.Balasubramani Special Government Pleader For R2 : Mr.I.Robert Chandra Kumar Standing Counsel
ORDER
This Writ Petition is filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 4 to sanction and disburse a sum of Rs.8,83,572/- (Rupees Eight Lakhs Eighty-Three Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy-Two only) towards Medical Reimbursement, along with applicable interest, to the petitioner, in the light of the proceedings issued by the first respondent to the second respondent in R.C.No.CTA/21901/PNHIS-2/2024 dated 05.03.2025, within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court.
2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. According to the petitioner, she is a retired teacher, having served at R.C. Middle School, K. Pudhur, Madurai and retired from service on 30.06.2016. She is a beneficiary under the New Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the requisite premium was regularly deducted from her monthly salary (PPO No.R2513835). The petitioner's husband, (late) V.S.Edward, was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was admitted to Preethi Hospital, Uthangudi, Madurai, which is near the petitioner's residence, on 29.05.2021, due to an emergency situation. He underwent treatment until his unfortunate demise on 12.06.2021, during which, the petitioner incurred medical expenses totaling Rs.8,83,572/- (Rupees Eight Lakhs Eighty-Three Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy-Two only).
4. The petitioner submitted a claim for medical reimbursement under the NHIS on 19.07.2021 along with all required bills and documents. On 22.06.2023, the fourth respondent forwarded the petitioner's claim to the first respondent (Na.Ka.No.1263/2022/M1), requesting necessary action for sanctioning the medical reimbursement. Despite repeated follow-ups, no reimbursement was made. The petitioner again sent a detailed representation on 26.02.2025 seeking settlement of her claim. Subsequently, on 05.03.2025, the first respondent issued
proceedings in R.C.No.CTA/21901/PNHIS-2/2024 to the second respondent, specifically directing the settlement of the petitioner's claim. Despite this official direction, the respondents failed to disburse the amount. The petitioner, now 66 years old, is suffering from age-related ailments and under severe financial distress. Hence, the petitioner is constrained to approach this Court seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 4 to settle the medical reimbursement claim of Rs.8,83,572/- along with interest, in accordance with the proceedings dated 05.03.2025, within a reasonable time.
5. Heard both sides.
6. Considering the above said facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs the second respondent to consider the petitioner's claim, which was forwarded by the first respondent on 05.03.2025 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
NCC : Yes / No 26.06.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Commissioner of Treasuries and Accounts, Amman Complex, 3rd Floor, No.571, Nandanam, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 035.
2.The Chief Manager, United India Insurance Company Limited, LBO - 01060134, Silingi Buildings, Greams Road, Chennai - 600 006.
3.The District Collector, Madurai, Madurai District.
4.The District Treasury Officer, District Treasury Office Madurai, Collectorate Complex, Madurai - 625 020.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 26.06.2025