(1) As soon as a reference mentioned in Section 7 is received in office of the Tribunal, the same along with affidavit and documents shall be scrutinized by such responsible official of the staff of the Tribunal as the Chairman may, by general or special order, authorize in that behalf.
(2) The reference if found in order or after removal of any defect or deficiency if discovered shall be registered, numbered and placed before the Chairman.
(3) The Chairman shall having regard to the nature of the dispute the amount involved and other relevant factor, if any, assign it to a Bench for giving the award.
(4) The Bench to which the reference is so assigned shall cause notice thereof to be issued to opposite party to show cause. The notice shall be in such form as may be prescribed and shall specify the date for appearance :
2[Provided that if the Tribunal is satisfied that there is no ground for reference, nothing in this section shall prevent it from dismissing the reference at any stage of the case, for reasons to be recorded in writing.]
3(5) “The Opposite Party on or before the date specified in the notice for appearance, may file a reply in writing signed and verified by the opposite party or its authorized agent, along with an affidavit verifying the averments 1 Subs. by M.P. Act No.19 of 2005 (w.e.f.29-8-2005).
2 Ins. by M.P. Act No.9 of 1990 (w.e.f. 24-4-1990).
3 Subs. by M.P. Act No.17 of 2014 (w.e.f. 4 .9.2014).
10 made in the reply. The reply shall be accompanied by such document or other evidence, which the opposite party wants to rely upon”.