53  Non-appearance of respondent and consequences

Where the respondent, despite effective service of summons or notice on him does not appear before the date fixed for hearing, the Appellate Tribunal may proceed to hear the appeal ex-parte and pass final order on merits.

Provided that it is open to the Appellate Tribunal to seek the assistance of any authorised representative as it deems fit in case the matter involves intricate and substantial questions of law having wide ramifications.