arrangements are to be made for conducting hearing

19. What arrangements are to be made for conducting hearing? Even before the arrival of the parties, the IO should ensure necessary seating arrangements for conducting hearing. Preferably, the seating arrangement should be such that both the parties will have equal access to the IO and the IO can watch and hear both the parties comfortably. At any rate, the seating arrangements should not be such as to send any signal that IO is inclined in favour of either of the parties. Besides, it is desirable that no one other than those who are required for the hearing is present in the room while the hearing is in progress. This may not always be possible and it depends upon the space provided to the IO by the organisation. However, IO should apply his mind to this aspect. Making a stenographer and a computer available for the recording the proceedings is another aspect to be attended to by the IO.