1[53. Power of magistrate to hear cases in absence of accused when summoned to appear.--If any
person summoned to appear before a magistrate to answer a charge of an offence against this Act or any
rule or regulation made thereunder, or any bye-law continued thereunder, fails to appear at the time and
place mentioned in the summons, or on any date to which the hearing of the case is adjourned, the
magistrate may hear and determine the case in his absence, if--
(a) service of the summons on such person is proved to his satisfaction, and
(b) no sufficient cause is shown for the non-appearance of such person.]
(a) service of the summons on such person is proved to his satisfaction, and
(b) no sufficient cause is shown for the non-appearance of such person.]
1. Ins. by Act 71 of 1971, s. 7(a) and the Schedule (w.e.f. 3-9-1971).