Appeal procedure: Regional Director governs service, reply, hearing schedule, adjournment, ex parte disposal and possible restoration.

Appeals are governed by the Regional Director who must serve the adjudicating officer with the appeal and require a reply within a stipulated period, with a single extendable period for sufficient cause; replies must be served on the appellant. The Regional Director fixes a hearing date not earlier than thirty days after notification, may adjourn or pass any order including ex parte disposal for non appearance, and may set aside ex parte orders on sufficient cause. Every order must be dated, signed, and communicated to the adjudicating officer, appellant, and the Central Government.

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