Reward policy claims require a reasoned committee decision after hearing before further reward can be declined.

Where a reward policy entrusts entitlement decisions to a competent committee, a claimant's request for further reward cannot be finally rejected without a reasoned decision based on the relevant policy clauses and materials. The Gujarat HC noted that the record did not show any final committee decision on the petitioner's claim beyond the interim reward already paid, and that the policy contemplated assessment of both interim and final reward. A fresh decision after hearing the petitioner was therefore warranted, and the writ petition succeeded only partly, with directions to reconsider the reward claim in accordance with law.

---

---

Issues: Whether the competent committee was required to take a fresh decision on the petitioner's claim for further reward, after giving him an opportunity of hearing, instead of treating the interim reward as sufficient.

Analysis: The reward policy for informants provided for decision-making by a committee constituted under Clause 2.1 and contemplated assessment of interim reward and final reward under Clauses 13.1, 13.2, 15.1 and 15.2. The record did not show any final decision by the committee on the petitioner's entitlement to further reward beyond the interim amount already paid. In the absence of a reasoned committee decision, and in view of the need for consideration of the petitioner's claim in accordance with the policy, a fresh decision after hearing the petitioner was warranted.

Conclusion: The petitioner was entitled to reconsideration of his claim by the competent committee, with a hearing, on whether any further reward was payable over and above the interim reward.

Final Conclusion: The writ petition was only partly successful, and the respondents were directed to decide the petitioner's reward claim afresh in accordance with law.

Ratio Decidendi: Where a reward policy entrusts the decision to a competent committee, a claim for further reward cannot be finally declined without a reasoned decision taken after considering the relevant materials and hearing the claimant.

---