### Medical Reimbursement Claims Submitted Beyond the Statutory Limitation Period are Liable for Rejection.

The petitioner, a retired Head Master who superannuated on 30.11.2011, submitted medical reimbursement bills on 15.02.2011 covering expenses incurred between 16.10.2007 and 06.11.2011, totaling Rs. 2,45,550/-.

The respondent authorities sanctioned bills amounting to Rs. 72,215/- for the period 19.06.2010 to 06.11.2011 but rejected claims totaling Rs. 1,74,315/- for the period 16.10.2007 to 18.07.2010.

The rejection was based on the ground that these bills were not presented within the stipulated statutory timeframe.

The petitioner approached the High Court seeking to quash the rejection order dated 08.06.2021.

1. Whether the respondent authority committed an error of law in rejecting the petitioner's medical reimbursement claims for the period 16.10.2007 to 18.07.2010 on the grounds of limitation.

2. Whether the petitioner is entitled to the reimbursement of Rs. 1,74,315/- despite the delay in submission under the relevant service rules.

Rule 13 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013.

Under Rule 13(1), an application for medical expense reimbursement must be submitted to the Controlling Officer within a mandatory period of six months from the date of incurring the expenses.

The court examined the timeline of the petitioner's claims against the statutory requirement of Rule 13.

Upon scrutiny by the authorities, it was found that only eight claims fell within the six-month window prescribed by the Rules, leading to the disbursement of Rs. 72,215/-.

The court observed that the remaining bills, spanning from 2007 to mid-2010, were presented significantly after the expiry of the six-month limitation period.

The court reasoned that since the competent authority’s decision was made strictly in accordance with the literal interpretation of Rule 13 of the 2013 Rules, there was no legal infirmity or ground for judicial interference.

The court found no merit in the petition as the authorities acted in compliance with Rule 13 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 2013. Consequently, the petition was dismissed.