(1) Each person to whom the notice of enquiry or the petition is issued (hereinafter called the respondent) who intends to oppose or support the petition, shall file the reply and the authenticated documents relied upon within such period and with specified number of copies as may be fixed by the Commission. In the reply filed, the respondent shall specifically admit, deny or explain the facts stated in the notice of inquiry or the petition and may also state such additional facts as he considers necessary for proper adjudication 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. The respondent shall also indicate in the reply whether he wishes to participate in the proceedings and be heard in person.
(2) The respondent shall serve a copy of the reply along with the documents duly attested to be true copies on the petitioner or his authorised representative and file proof of such service with the Commission at the time of filing the reply.
(3) Where the respondent states additional facts as may be necessary for the decision of the case, the Commission may allow the petitioner 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 Commission pursuant to the advertisement and publication made for the purpose (other than the persons to whom notices, processes, etc., have been issued calling for reply) shall deliver to the designated officer, the statement of the objection or comments with copies of the authenticated documents and evidence in support thereof within the time fixed for the purpose as per clause 11 of Regulation 20.