ORDER The above-named appellant has preferred this appeal against the order dated 21st July, 1973, passed by Junior Labour Court, Sialkot whereby an application made by the respondent for compensation and other legal dues was accepted and the appellant was directed to pay him Rs.
500. The respondent is ex parte. Arguments heard and record perused. The Presiding Officer of the Junior Labour Court relied on the report of the Medical Superintendent which is to the effect that the disability caused by injury No. 1 was about 3 % and held that the petitioner respondent is entitled to 4 months' salary. The Medical Superintendent was not examined as a witness and the appellant had not given opportunity to cross-examine him. The order of the Junior Labour Court which is based entirely on the report of the Medical Superintendent is, therefore, unsustainable. For the foregoing reason, I accept this appeal, set aside the order of the Junior Labour Court and remand the case to the said Court for fresh decision in accordance with law. Mr. Muhammad Saleern, Advocate, the learned counsel for the appellant, has complained that the appellant was not given opportunity to file the reply statement and a number of preliminary objections which the appellant wanted to raise could not be raised for this reason. I have noted that the proceedings have been conducted in a slip-shod manner. An opportunity shall be given to the appellant to file (he reply statement. In case the respondent is found entitled to any compensation, the Presiding Officer shall specifically mention the provision of law under which he is so entitled. Orders accordingly.