Mr. Justice M.S. Rane, President—On request, Mr. A.V. Patwardhan-Advocate assisted us as amicus curiae for and on behalf of the complainants.

2. These matters wherein parties are common i.e. complainants and O.Ps. have been listed on today’s board in the caption of ex parte hearing because of failure on the part of the O.Ps. to respond to the process issued and served upon them by this Commission as required under Section 13 of Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Despite service, O.Ps. did not respond. Under direction of this Commission thrice they were intimated dates of hearing by sending notices on 9.2.2000, 27.3.2000 and 4.5.2000. However there is no response.

This is what on 6.9.2002 when the matter was on our board we have noted.

3. Mr. Shailesh Kumar-Advocate for the complainants. Mr. Sham Dandriya-Secretary of the complainants present. O.Ps. although duly served have remained absent. Affidavit of service has been filed. What is more that this office has intimated the hearing dates to the O.Ps. by sending intimations on 9.2.2000, 27.3.2000 and 4.5.2000. However they have not responded. No appearance or written statement filed. That being so, we direct that matters be proceeded