Absence of parties in cases and suits

(1) If the complainant or the plaintiff or the applicant fails to appear after having been informed of the time and place fixed for hearing, the Gram Panchayat may dismiss the case, suit or proceedings or pass such order as it may deem fit. (2) The Gram Panchayat may hear and decide the suit or proceeding in the absence of the defendant or opposite party, if the summons have been served upon him or if he has been informed of the time and place fixed for hearing.