(1) If the time limit issued to the defendant to submit a counter-statement in accordance with Rule 8 has passed due to circumstances beyond the defendant's control and the defendant is unable to submit a counter-statement, if an application is made before the tribunal within fifteen days from the date of the expiry of the expired deadline, and the tribunal submits a counter-statement to the defendant. can extend the deadline up to fifteen days.
(2) No petitioner or defendant sitting on a date in a case proceeding in accordance with the Act and these regulations shall be entitled to lapse the date of expiry of such date. However, if an application is made before the tribunal within fifteen days from the date of expiry due to circumstances beyond the control of the petitioner or the respondent, and if the conduct of such petition is deemed appropriate, the tribunal may grant the petitioner or the respondent an extension of the date up to fifteen days.