On the day fixed in the summons for the defendant to appear and answer, the parties shall be in attendance at the Court-house in person or by their respective pleaders, and the suit shall then be heard unless the hearing is adjourned to a future day fixed by the Court.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE · ORDER IX Appearance of parties and consequence of non-appearance
Order IX Rule 1: Parties to appear on day fixed in summons for defendant to appear and answer
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908