Section 32: Service on respondent

32. Service on respondent (1) (a) As soon as an application, together with the accompanying particulars and statement prescribed, has been lodged, the clerk of the Court shall forthwith cause a copy of it to be served on the respondent in the manner prescribed, together with a notice informing the respondent that he must lodge with the clerk of the Court an answer as prescribed in subsection (2) within the period prescribed therein, and that in default of his complying with subsection (2) or of his appearing at the time and place fixed in the notice, such order may be made under this Act as the Magistrate thinks just and expedient. (b) Except with the written consent of the respondent communicated to the clerk of the Court, not less than 14 clear days shall elapse between the date of the service of the notice on the respondent and the date fixed for hearing the application. (2) Where the respondent intends to oppose an application, he shall, within 7 days after service of the notice, or within such extended period as the Magistrate may upon special request allow, lodge with the clerk of the Court a written answer containing a concise statement of the extent and ground of his opposition. (3) (a) The Magistrate may, at any time before the determination of the question in dispute and on such terms as to adjournment or as to costs as he thinks just, allow an application, or any particulars or statement accompanying an application, or any answer to an application, to be amended. (b) Any amendment shall be lodged with the clerk of the Court, who shall cause it to be served on the opposite party in the manner prescribed.