12. CONSTITUTION OF BENCHES OF BOARD OR APPELLATE AUTHORITY.

(1) The jurisdiction, powers and authority of the Board or the Appellate Authority may be exercised by Benches thereof.

(2) The Benches shall be constituted by the Chairman and each Bench shall consist of not less than two Members.

(3) If the Members of a Bench differ in opinion on any point, the point shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority, if there is a majority, but if the Members are equally divided, they shall state the point or points on which they differ, and make a reference to the Chairman of the Board or, as the case may be, the Appellate   Authority who shall either hear the point or points himself or refer the case for hearing on such point or points by one or more of the other Members and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority of the Members who have heard the case including those who first heard it.