On the day of the hearing, the chairman ensures that sufficient time has elapsed since the summons was issued to allow the party summoned to prepare its defence. If necessary, he orders that it be reassigned.
If the respondent has instructed counsel, the proceedings shall take place immediately or at the next hearing, depending on the state of the case.
If the respondent has not constituted a lawyer, the court shall rule by judgment deemed to be contradictory, relying, if necessary, on the pleas in law of the first instance.