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Judgment
L. Narasimha Reddy, J
The applicant joined the service of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as Junior Telecom Officer. According to him, there is a policy in the organization for providing a mobile telephone handset up to the extent of Rs. 1500/- and that he purchased one handset on 20.05.2020 at a cost of Rs. 1684/-. It is stated that he submitted an application for reimbursement, the respondents released only Rs. 150/-. This O.A. is filed with a prayer to direct the respondents to release the remaining amount of Rs.1350/-.
We heard the applicant, who filed the case in person and requested Sh. R.V. Sinha, learned counsel for respondents to obtain instructions.
Rarely, we come across the employees who entertain such a negative tendency towards their employers. At a time when ordinary people are not hesitating to purchase mobile phone by spending tens of thousands, the applicant was particular to get reimbursement of Rs.1500/- for his phone. In the ordinary course of things, he is expected to raise higher levels of administration. However, he has shown his lack of respect to the organization, by making an issue, as regards the reimbursement of such a small amount.
It appears that in the course of processing of the application for the claim made by the applicant, one zero was missing somewhere, and instead of releasing Rs. 1500/-, Rs. 150/- was paid. There should not have been any difficulty for the respondents in rectifying the defect. However, it is not such a priority item in the prevailing circumstances. It was only on 31.08.2020, that the applicant made a representation in this behalf. Hardly, within a week, he filed this O.A. by citing an adage, coined by Mr. Adkinson, about the bureaucracy. It only reflects the mindset of the applicant and his total negative opinion about the department. One hardly expects any dedication or devotion from such persons, who are so particular, to run after the department for a paltry sum of Rs. 1350/-. We do not approve the conduct of the applicant in attributing such characteristics to his employer. At the same time, we direct the respondents to ensure that the deficiency, if any, as regards the reimbursement to the applicant is taken care of within one week.
The misadventure of the applicant should not result in the respondents' spending thousands of rupees towards the fees of their counsel. The Tribunal also would not permit such situation to occur. In all fairness, Sh. R.V. Sinha, learned counsel for respondents submitted that he would not claim fee in this case. It is hoped that the applicant will make an effort to hold his employer in a semblance of respect and to pay his attention towards his duties than to his personal needs.
The O.A. is accordingly disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.