Section 69A: Where accused does not appear

69A. Where accused does not appear (1) Where on the day and place appointed in the summons the accused when called does not appear personally or has not pleaded guilty by letter as provided for in section 69, and it is proved to the satisfaction of the Magistrate that the summons was duly served on him personally, the Magistrate may proceed to hear and determine the charge in the absence of the accused, if the offence charged is one punishable by a fine only. (2) The Magistrate may, whatever the offence charged, if the accused has not appeared personally or has not pleaded guilty by letter, issue a warrant for his arrest, and adjourn the hearing until he is apprehended.