Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. VIII (arts. 77-90) applied (1.10.2009) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), ss. 58, 100(5), Sch. 5 paras. 5(3), 10(2) (with s. 101(2)); S.I. 2009/1493, art. 2(a)(c)
C2Pt. VIII (arts. 77-90) applied (prosp.) by Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 12), ss. 147(4), 185(1)
81.—(1) Where at the time and place appointed for the hearing or adjourned hearing of a complaint in a civil matter, the complaintant appears but the defendant does not, the court may, without prejudice to its powers under this Order or any other enactment, adjourn or further adjourn or, subject to paragraph (2), proceed in his absence.
(2) The court shall not begin to hear the complaint or proceed in the absence of the defendant, unless either it is proved to the satisfaction of the court, upon oath or by affidavit or in such other manner as may be prescribed, that the summons was served on him within what appears to the court to be a reasonable time before the hearing or adjourned hearing or the defendant has appeared on a previous occasion to answer to the complaint.