Section 16(1) in The Employees' Provident Funds Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 1997'
(1)Where on the date fixed for hearing the appeal or on any other date to which such hearing may be adjourned, the appellant appears and the respondent does not appear when the appeal is called for hearing, the Tribunal may, in its discretion adjourn the hearing or hear and decide the appeal ex parte.
