G.Subramanian v. The Principal Secretary To The Government
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH G.Subramanian ... Petitioner -vs1.The Principal Secretary to the Government, Government of Tamil Nadu, Finance (Pension) Department, St. George Fort, Chennai.
2.The Director of Treasuries and Accounts, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 15.
3.The District Level Empowered Committee, Represented by the District Collector, O/o. the District Collector, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
4.The Treasury Officer, Treasury Office, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
5.The Assistant Treasury Officer, Sub Treasury Office, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram.
6.The United India Insurance Co. Ltd., Represented by the Managing Director, 24, Whites Road, Chennai - 14.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records pertaining to the impugned order passed by the sixth respondent in Ref : 010600/CRS-608/10/2025 dated 23.05.2025 and quash the same as illegal and consequently, to direct the respondents 1 and 3 to provide the medical expenses of Rs.5,26 837/- (Five Lakhs Twenty Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Seven Rupees only) claimed in the claim petition by the petitioner, within the time stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.P.Prabakaran For R1 to R5 : Mr.K.Balasubramani Special Government Pleader For R6 : Mr.A.Shajahan Standing Counsel
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned order passed by the sixth respondent dated 23.05.2025 and consequently, to direct the
respondents 1 and 3 to pay the medical expenses of Rs.5,26,837/- (Rupees Five Lakhs Twenty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven only) as claimed by the petitioner in the claim petition, within the time stipulated by this Court.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an octogenarian and a retired Headmaster, solely dependent on his monthly pension. Due to a heart blockage, the petitioner was admitted to Apollo Hospital, Trichy, on 07.07.2024 and underwent Open Heart Surgery. He was discharged on 15.07.2024 after incurring a total medical expenditure of Rs.6,84,337/-. It is submitted that the petitioner, in accordance with the procedure, forwarded his medical claim through the fifth respondent to the sixth respondent, seeking reimbursement.
3. The learned counsel further submits that the petitioner received a partial reimbursement of Rs.1,57,500/- on 26.11.2024, which was credited to his savings account. Subsequently, the sixth respondent, vide letter dated 06.12.2024, rejected the balance claim, citing that the diagnosis and line of treatment adopted were not covered under the applicable Government Orders (G.Os). The letter further
advised that any grievance could be raised before the DLEC/SLEC/HLEC. On 17.12.2024, the petitioner submitted an appeal through the fifth respondent to the third respondent, seeking reimbursement of the remaining sum of Rs.5,26,837/-, but the same remained pending without any resolution for over seven months.
4. The learned counsel further submitted that, in such circumstances, the sixth respondent issued an impugned order dated 23.05.2025, once again reiterating that the maximum eligible amount had already been paid as per the applicable G.Os under Claim No.MD15116468. Aggrieved by the rejection and in the absence of any other effective or alternative remedy, the petitioner has approached this Court by way of the present writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
5. Per contra, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the sixth respondent submits that the petitioner's claim was duly processed in line with the governing G.Os applicable to retired Government servants. A reimbursement of Rs.1,57,500/- was made, which represents the maximum entitlement for the treatment in question. It is further contended that the denial of the remaining
claim was communicated to the petitioner with reasons and the petitioner was informed of the alternative forum for redress through the DLEC/SLEC/HLEC and that no further amount is admissible under the applicable policy framework.
6. Heard both sides.
7. Upon hearing both parties and perusing the records, this Court is of the view that the petitioner's claim was considered in accordance with the prevailing Government Orders. The payment of Rs.1,57,500/- appears to have been made as per the permissible limit. The impugned rejection order clearly sets out the reasons for denial and directs the petitioner to avail the grievance redressal mechanism. The petitioner has not demonstrated any arbitrariness or violation of fundamental rights to justify interference by this Court.
8. While the Court is sympathetic to the petitioner's age and medical condition, judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is limited to examining the legality and fairness of administrative action, not to substitute policy decisions made in good faith. Since the petitioner has an alternative
remedy in the form of approaching the appropriate committee (DLEC/SLEC/HLEC), this Court finds no ground to entertain the writ petition.
9. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is dismissed. However, liberty is granted to the petitioner to approach the competent authority or committee as specified in the impugned order, for redressal of his grievance, in accordance with law. No costs.
NCC : Yes / No 17.07.2025 Index : Yes / No smn2 To:- 1.The Principal Secretary to the Government, Government of Tamil Nadu, Finance (Pension) Department, St. George Fort, Chennai.
2.The Director of Treasuries and Accounts, Panagal Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 15.
3.The District Collector, District Level Empowered Committee, O/o. the District Collector, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
4.The Treasury Officer, Treasury Office, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.
5.The Assistant Treasury Officer, Sub Treasury Office, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram.
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH , J.
smn2 17.07.2025