15. Hearing of appeal.- (1) On the day fixed or on any other day to which the hearing may be adjourned, the appellant shall be heard in support of the appeal. The Central Government shall, then, if necessary, hear the Board of its authorised representative against the appeal and in such case the appellant shall be entitled to reply. (2) In case the appellant does not appear in person or through an authorised representative when the appeal is called for hearing, the Central Government may dispose of the appeal on merits: Provided that where an appeal has been disposed of as provided above and the appellant appears afterwards and satisfies the Central Government that there was sufficient cause for his non-appearance, when the appeal was called for hearing, the Central Government shall make an order setting aside the ex parte order and restore the appeal. | 