Section 8(6) in The Orissa Consumer Protection Rules, 1987
(6)On the date of hearing or any other date to which hearing has been adjourned, it shall be obligatory for the parties or their authorised agents to appear before the State Commission on such date. If appellant or his authorised agent fails to appear on such date, the State Commission may, in its discretion, either dismiss the appeal or decide it on the merit of the cases. If respondent or his authorised agent fails to appear on such date, the State Commission shall proceed ex parte and shall decide the appeal ex parte on merit of the case.
