APPELLANT MAY PREFER PERSONAL PRESENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION OR THROUGH HIS DULY AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE

PERSONAL PRESENCE OF THE APPELLANT OR COMPLAINANT:-- (1) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall be informed of the date of hearing atleast seven clear days before that date. (2) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may at his discretion be present in person, or through his duly authorised representative at the time of hearing of the Appeal or complaint by the commission, or may opt not to be present. (3) Where the Commission is satisfied that circumstances exist due to which the appellant or the complainant is being prevented from attending the hearing of the commission, the commission may afford the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, another opportunity of being heard before a final decision is taken or take any other appropriate action as it may take deem fit. (4) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person while presenting his case before the commission and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner. (5) If an appellant or complainant at his discretion decides not to be present either personally or through his duly authorised representative during the hearing of an appeal or complaint before the commission, the Commission may pronounce it's decision or order in the matter ex-parte. (B) Amendment or withdrawal of an Appeal or Complaint:-- The commission may in its discretion allow a prayer for any amendment or withdrawal of an appeal or complaint during the course of its hearing if such a prayer is made by the appellant or complainant on an application made in writing. However, no such prayer may be entertained by the Commission after the matter has been finally heard or a decision or order has been pronounced by the Commission.