§10.93. Obtaining default order. — Inbound Citations

(g) The procedures for obtaining a default order and the setting aside of a default order in a proceeding instituted under this section shall follow the procedures set forth in §§ 10.93 and 10.94 of this chapter.

(i) Where a default order has been made pursuant to § 10.93 of these rules and a motion to vacate the default or equivalent request has been directed to the Commission under § 10.94 without the benefit of a prior ruling by the Administrative Law Judge;

(c) A party who fails to file an answer within 20 days shall be in default and, pursuant to procedures set forth in § 10.93 of these rules, the proceeding may be determined against him by the Administrative Law Judge upon his consideration of the complaint, the allegations of which shall then be deemed to be true.

The parties to an adjudicatory proceeding shall include the Division of Enforcement, each respondent named in the complaint and each person permitted to intervene pursuant to § 10.33 of these rules. A respondent shall cease to be a party or purposes of a pending proceeding when (a) a default order is entered against him pursuant to § 10.93; or (b) the Commission accepts an offer of settlement pursuant to § 10.108 of these rules.

(2) A failure to appear at a hearing shall not constitute a waiver of a party's right to propose findings of fact based on the record in the proceeding, to propose conclusions of law or to submit briefs, in the manner provided in § 10.82, if the non-appearing party submits prior to the scheduled hearing or within three days thereafter, a notice of appearance indicating his intent to continue to participate in the proceeding. Otherwise, his failure to appear will constitute a default, and a default order may be sought in accordance with procedures set forth in § 10.93 of these rules.

In order to prevent injustice and on such conditions as may be appropriate, (a) the Commission may at any time set aside a default order obtained under § 10.93; and (b) the Administrative Law Judge may set aside a default order obtained under § 10.93 at any time prior to filing of his initial decision in a proceeding in which there are remaining respondents. Any motion to set aside a default shall be made within a reasonable time, and shall state the reasons for the failure to file or appear and specify the nature of the proposed defense in the proceeding.