Pending CBDT reward claim to be decided by competent authority through a reasoned and speaking order

A pending claim for monetary reward under CBDT reward guidelines was directed to be examined by the competent authority on the basis of the existing recommendation and writ record. The authority was required to consider the claim in accordance with law and pass a reasoned and speaking order within the stipulated time. The direction focused on disposal of the pending representation rather than any substantive determination of entitlement, ensuring an informed administrative decision on the reward request.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner's claim for monetary reward under the CBDT reward guidelines, which had remained pending, was liable to be considered and decided by the competent authority by a reasoned and speaking order.

Analysis: The petition proceeded on the basis that a recommendation in favour of the petitioner had already been made and that the claim had not been finally decided despite the passage of time. In view of the respondent's stand that the representation was still pending, the Court found it appropriate to direct consideration of the claim on the basis of the existing recommendation and the writ petition record. The matter was therefore disposed of with a direction to submit the relevant recommendation and order before the competent authority, which was then required to examine the claim in accordance with law and pass a reasoned and speaking order within the stipulated time.

Conclusion: The petitioner's pending reward claim was directed to be considered and decided by the competent authority in accordance with law by a reasoned and speaking order.

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