Facts
The applicant, a Chief Medical Officer (NFSG) serving under the Directorate of Health Services, Government of NCT of Delhi, filed an Original Application (O.A.) seeking the release of Conveyance Allowance (CA) arrears from July 1, 2017, to the present, amounting to ₹12,81,969/-
Source reference: p. 2The applicant alleged that the respondents failed to grant the allowance despite Office Memorandums (OMs) dated 19.07.2017 and 01.12.2021, and further challenged objections raised regarding log-book maintenance
Source reference: p. 2Between April 2023 and July 2025, the applicant submitted eleven representations to the authorities, which remained undecided
Source reference: p. 3-4During proceedings, the applicant limited the prayer to seeking a direction for the respondents to decide these pending representations within a specific timeframe
Source reference: p. 3Issues
Whether the respondents' inaction in deciding the applicant's multiple representations regarding the grant of Conveyance Allowance warrants a direction for a time-bound disposal
Source reference: p. 4Law Applied
The Tribunal relied on the principles of natural justice and the administrative requirement to pass reasoned and speaking orders on employee grievances
Source reference: p. 4the claim was based on O.M. No. 45013/01/2021-CHS-V dated 01.12.2021 and O.M. dated 19.07.2017, which regulate the entitlement and procedural prerequisites for Conveyance Allowance for medical officers under the Central Health Service (CHS) framework
Source reference: p. 2Reasoning
The Tribunal refrained from adjudicating the merits of the applicant’s entitlement to the allowance or the validity of the respondents' objections regarding log-book verification
Source reference: p. 5It observed that the applicant had a legitimate expectation of a response to his various representations submitted over two years
Source reference: p. 4Given the respondents' concession that the representations could be considered in accordance with the law, the Tribunal determined that the principles of natural justice necessitated a formal administrative decision
Source reference: p. 4The Tribunal underscored that the competent authority must pass a "reasoned and speaking order" to ensure transparency and allow for further judicial review if necessary
Source reference: p. 5Holding
The Tribunal disposed of the O.A. at the admission stage
It directed the respondents to decide the applicant's pending representations (dated 18.04.2023, 03.07.2023, 15.11.2023, 02.03.2024, 15.04.2024, 28.08.2024, 29.11.2024, 18.02.2025, 29.05.2025, and 30.07.2025) by passing a reasoned and speaking order within four weeks from the receipt of the order
Source reference: p. 4-5It further ordered that if the decision is favorable, the arrears shall be disbursed; if unfavorable, the applicant retains the liberty to challenge the fresh order
Source reference: p. 5No costs were awarded
Source reference: p. 5Original Court PDF
Madan lalvsHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
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