STATE OF PUNJAB vs RAM L BAGGA

The Supreme Court addressed the entitlement of Punjab government employees and pensioners to medical expense reimbursement under the revised policy dated 13th February 1995. The Court held that reimbursement for treatment in private hospitals is permissible only if treatment is unavailable in government hospitals and requires a no objection certificate from the relevant authority. The Court found that the respondent's claim for reimbursement for surgery at Escorts Hearts Institute was not valid as it did not comply with the new policy requirements, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.