Section 602I(2) in The General Rules (Civil), 1957
(2)If neither the pleader nor the Mukhtar nor the counsel representing him appears on the date fixed and the complainant appears, the Inquiring Officer may proceed with the inquiry ex parte:Provided that the Inquiring Officer, if satisfied that there was sufficient cause for the non-appearance of the pleader or Mukhtar, allow him to take part in the proceedings and may recall witnesses already examined.
