( I) Each person to whom the notice of inquiry or the petition or complaint is issued (hereinafter called the 'respondent' ) who intends to oppose . or support the · petition or complaint shall file the reply and the docum~nts relied upon within such period with ten copies. In the reply filed, the respondent shall specifically admit, deny or explain the facts stated in the notice of inquiry or the petition or the complaint and may also state such additional facts as he considers necessary for just decision of the case. The reply shall be signed and verified and supported by affidavit in the same manner as in the case of the petition or complaint.
33 34 THE GAZEITE OF INDIA: EXTRAORDINARY (PART JI- SEC. 3(i)J
(2) The respondent shall serve a copy of the reply along with the documents duly attested to be true copies on the petitioner or complainant or his authorised representative and file proof of such service with the office of the Board.
(3) Where the respondent states additional facts as may be necessary for the just decision of the case, the Board may allow the petitioner/complainant to file a rejoinder to the reply filed by the respondents. The procedure mentioned above for filing of the reply shall apply mutatis mutandis to the filing of the rejoinder.
(4) Every person who .intends to file objection or comments in regard to a matter pending before the Board, pursuant to the publication made for the purpose (other than the persons to whom notices, processes, etc. have been issued calling for reply) shall deliver to an officer designated by the Board for the purpose the statement of the objection or comments . with copies of the documents and evidence in support thereof within the time fixed for the purpose.
(5) The Board may permit such person or persons inCiuding associations, forums and bodies corporate as it may consider appropriate to participate in the proceedings before the Board if, on the report received from the officer, the Board considers that the participation of such person or persons will facilitate the proceedings and the decision in the matter.
(6) Unless pennitted by the Board, the person filing objection or comments shall not necessarily be entitled to participate in the proceedings to make oral submissions. However, the Board shall be entitled to take into account the objections and comments filed after giving such opportunity to the parties to the proceedings as the Board considers appropriate to deal with the objections or · ~ comments.