Meaningful opportunity of hearing required before adjudication; ex parte order set aside and remanded for fresh decision.

An ex parte adjudication passed without giving the appellant a meaningful opportunity to file documents and present a defence was set aside. The record showed that the show cause notice was received only shortly before the order, leaving no effective chance to contest the case. As the dispute could not be finally determined on such an incomplete record, the matter was remanded to the adjudicating authority for fresh adjudication after granting adequate hearing and opportunity to produce documents.

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Issues: Whether the ex parte adjudication order passed without granting the appellant an effective opportunity to file documents and be heard required interference and remand.

Analysis: The appellant received the show cause notice only shortly before the adjudication order was passed, and the order was made ex parte without giving sufficient opportunity to contest the case. Since the appellant was deprived of a proper chance to place evidence and present its defence, the matter could not be finally decided on the existing record.

Conclusion: The ex parte order was set aside and the matter was remanded to the adjudicating authority for fresh adjudication after granting adequate opportunity of hearing and filing of documents.

Ratio Decidendi: An adjudication passed without affording a meaningful opportunity of hearing and defence is liable to be set aside and remanded for fresh consideration.

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