Notice to the respondent under the Code on Wages requires appearance, defence preparation, and permits ex parte hearing on default. Notice to the respondent is prescribed in Form VIII for proceedings under the Code on Wages, 2019. In an application before the authority, the respondent must appear in person or through a duly authorised representative, answer material questions, and be prepared to produce witnesses and documents relied on in defence. Failure to appear may lead to the application being heard and disposed of in absence. A separate notice applies to appeals before the appellate authority, with similar consequences for non-appearance.