Examination and cross-examination of parties or their agents and of witnesses, written statement by defendant

(1) When both parties appear in person on the day named in the summons, or upon any subsequent day to which the hearing of the case may be adjourned under Section 162, the Deputy Commissioner may proceed to examine them, and if he examines them either party or his agent may cross-examine the other. (2) If either of the parties is not bound to attend personally, any agent by whom he appears may be examined and cross-examined in like manner as the party himself would have been if he had attended personally. (3) At his first appearance, or at any time before the issues are framed, the defendant may, with the leave of the Deputy Commissioner, file a written statement of his defence. (4) Such statement shall be verified in the manner provided in Section 147. (5) If either of the parties produces a witness on the day aforesaid, the Deputy Commissioner may take the evidence of such witness.