Section 141
Appeal Liable To Be Heard Ex Parte In Absence Of Respondent
(1)
If the respondent does not appear within the time-limit of the notice
given pursuant to sub-section (3) of Section 140, the appeal hearing
court may appoint such another date for appearance for deciding the
appeal as falling after at least fifteen days, and hear the appeal ex
parte on such date and decide it.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1),
if the respondent makes a petition, prior to the date appointed for
appearance pursuant to sub-section (1), showing a reasonable reason
for being unable to appear within the time-limit of the notice given
pursuant to sub-section (3) of Section 140, and such reason seems to
be reasonable, the court shall order the extension of the time-limit,
showing such reason, and also order the respondent to appear on the
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date appointed pursuant to sub-section (1), and hear and decide the
appeal.