DECISION This is a reference under section 27 of the Workmen's Compensation Act made by the Commissioner.
2. The facts as indicated in the Reference are that Riazul Haq, who was a permanent employee of Messrs Roneo Ltd., Karachi, died a natural death on the 10th of December 1974. He was bachelor at the time of his death. The whereabouts of his parents and other relations are not known. He was, however, adopted, as son by Sirajul Haq and his wife Mst. Nazir Begum.
Faizul Haq is the son of Sirajul Haq from another wife Mst, Amir Begum, who was subsequently divorced by Sirajul Haq.
3. The deceased at the time of his death was entitled to the following amount:-- (a) Rs. 12,000.00 Rs. 215.00Group Insurance ( ) Bonus for the year 1974 Total Rs. 14,467.00 The cheque for this amount was sent by the Management to the Commissioner for distribution according to the Workmen's Compensation Act Since the Commissioner was in doubt with regard to certain points he made the present reference. Notices were issued to (1) Sirajul Haq, (2) Nazir Begum and (3) Faizul Haq and they were heard. My answer to the various questions enumerated by the learned Commissioner is as under :-- (i) Under the Muhammadan Law 'adoption' is unknown and, therefore, Sirajul Haq and Mst. Nazir Begum, who claim to be 'adopted parents' of the deceased are legally entitled to claim nothing. (ii) lt is not necessary to answer this question as the deceased did not leave behind any dependant as defined by the Workmen's Compensation Act or any other heir entitled to inherit according to Muhammadan Law or at least it is not known whether any such dependant or relation is living.