8. Procedure for hearing appeal (Section 15).- (1) Memorandum shall be presented by the appellant or his authorised agent to the State Commission in person or sent by registered post addressed to the Commission. (2) Every memorandum filed under sub-rule (1) shall be in legible handwriting preferably typed and shall set forth concisely under distinct heads, the grounds of appeal without any argument or narrative and such grounds shall be numbered consecutively. (3) Each memorandum shall be accompanied by the certified copy of the order of the District Forum appealed against and such of the documents as may be required to support grounds or objection mentioned in the memorandum. (4) When the appeal is presented after the expiry of the period of limitation as specified in the Act, the memorandum shall be accompanied by an application supported by an affidavit setting forth the fact on which the appellant relies to satisfy the State Commission that he has sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the period of limitation. (5) The appellant shall submit four copies of the memorandum to the State Commission for official purposes. (6) On the date of hearing or on any other day to which hearing may be adjourned, it shall be obligatory for the parties or their authorised agents to appear before the State Commission. If appellant or his authorised agent fails to appear on such date, the State Commission may, in its discretion, either discuss the appeal or decide it on the merit of the case. If respondent or his authorised agent fails to appear on such date, the State Commission shall proceed ex parte and shall decide the appeal ex parte on the merits of the case. (7) The appellant shall not, except by leave of the State Commis¬sion, urge or be heard in support of any ground of objection not set forth in the memorandum but the State Commission, in deciding the appeal, shall not confine to the grounds of objection set forth in the memorandum or taken by leave of the State Commission under this rule: Provided that the Commission shall not rest its decision on any other grounds unless the party who may be affected thereby, has been given, at least one opportunity of being heard by the State Commission. (8) State Commission may, on such terms as it may think fit and at any stage, adjourn the hearing of the appeal, but not more than one adjournment shall ordinarily be given and the appeal should be decided within 90 days from the first date of hearing. (9) Order of the State Commission on appeal shall be signed and dated by the members of the State Commission constituting the Bench and shall be communicated to the parties free of charge. |