(1) In case, on the date fixed in the notice issued under rule 6, the opposite party appears and shows cause against the maintenance claim, the Tribunal shall seek the opinion of both the parties as to whether they Tribunal shall seek the opinion of both the parties as to whether they like the matter to be referred to a Conciliation Officer and if they express their willingness in this behalf, the Tribunal shall ask them whether they would like the matter to be referred to a person included in the panel prepared under rule 4, or to any other person acceptable to both parties.
(2) If both the parties agree on any person, whether included in the panel under rule 4 or otherwise, the Tribunal shall appoint such person as the Conciliation Officer in the case, and shall refer the matter to him, through a letter in Form ‘E’, requesting the Conciliation Officer to try and work out a settlement acceptable to both parties, within a period not exceeding one month from the date of receipt of the reference.
(3) The reference in Form ‘E’ shall be accompanied with copies of the application and replies of the opposite party thereto.