18. Procedure to be followed by the Appellate Authority in dealing with and disposal of the appeal. -(1) The Appellate Authority shall, as soon as may be after the appeal is filed before it, fix a date for hearing of the appeal and give notice of the same to the applicant and Board in Form VIII. While giving such notice to the Board, a copy of the appeal, together with its enclosures, shall also be sent to the Board and he shall be called upon to send to the Appellate Authority, all the relevant records connected with the Appeal.
(2) Where the material on record is insufficient to enable the Appellate Authority, to come to a definite decision, it may take additional evidence and call for such further material from the appellant or the Board as it deems fit. Such material shall form part of the record only after file party other than the form whom such record has been received, has been given an opportunity to persue the same.
(3) Where on the date fixed for hearing or any date to which the hearing of the appeal may be adjourned, the appellant or his duly authorised agent does not appear when the appeal is called for Hearing the appeal shall be liable to be dismissed.
(4) Where an appeal is dismissed under sub-rule (3), the applicant may, within thirty days from the dismissal, apply to the Appellate Authority for the restoration for the appeal and if it is shown to the satisfaction of the Appellate Authority that the appellant had not received intimation of the date of hearing appeal or was prevented by any cause, sufficient in the opinion of the Appellate Authority, from appearing when the appeal was called for hearing, the Appellate Authority may restore the appeal on such terms as it thinks fit.
(5) The order passed by the Appellate Authority on the appeal shall be in writing bearing the seal of the Appellate Authority and shall state the points before it for determination, the decision thereon, and the reasons for the decision.
(6) A copy of the order passed in appeal shall be supplied by the Appellate Authority free of cost to the appellant and a copy thereof shall also be sent to the Board.
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