What occurs if a party fails to plead or defend in an administrative proceeding?

When a party fails to plead or defend in an administrative proceeding, the implication is that they are not actively participating in the case. This lack of participation typically leads to the understanding that the party waives their right to a hearing. By not engaging, they forfeit their opportunity to present their case or respond to the allegations made against them. This principle ensures that the administrative process can proceed efficiently without delays caused by non-responsive parties.

In contrast, options suggesting a retrial with new evidence or indefinite postponement do not align with the purpose of administrative proceedings, which aim to resolve matters in a timely manner. Additionally, notifying the parties of inactivity, while potentially a good practice, does not hold the same legal significance in terms of waiving the right to a hearing as the correct choice signifies. Thus, the correct interpretation centers on the waiver of the hearing right due to inactivity in the defense or pleading phase of the proceeding.