Summons to defendant or accused

A Gram Panchayat, after an application is made under section 53, shall, unless it has been dismissed or otherwise disposed of under the provisions of this Act, cause summons in the prescribed form to be served in the prescribed manner on the defendant or the accused person or an opposite party requiring him to attend and produce his evidence at such time and place as may be stated in the summon and shall at the same time direct the plaintiff or complainant or the applicant to attend and produce his evidence at such time and place.