Paragraph 9 The reading of the charge

The charge shall be read in the presence of the parties provided that if the respondent does not appear but the Committee nevertheless decide that the hearing shall proceed the charge shall be read in his absence.

As soon as the charge has been read the respondent may, if he so desires, object to the charge, or to any part of it, on a point of law, and any other party may reply to any such objection; and, if any such objection is upheld, no further proceedings shall be taken on that charge or on that part of the charge.