Whether Inquiry officer can allow Management side to counter the defence of delinquent employee?

Respected Sir, Matter: The Management Representative (MR) presented his brief along with the only documentary evidence in support of the charges during the course of the departmental inquiry. After concluding MR side, the inquiry officer asked the delinquent employee to start his defense. Accordingly, the delinquent employee produced his witness first (who was also cross-examined by the MR), followed by documentary evidence, and concluded with his written brief in rebuttal of charges. After this, the Inquiry Officer called upon the MR to tender his comments on the brief of the delinquent employee. But MR requested the Inquiry officer for permission to counter the brief (defense) of the delinquent employee. The inquiry officer also permitted MR for the same but the delinquent employee took objection against calling the MR to counter the brief (defense) of the employee. Matter Adjourned. I have the following queries in this matter. My query is, whether the action of the Inquiry Officer permitting the MR to counter the defense side of the employee is reasonable? I feel the inquiry officer is exceeding his authority by permitting MR to cure his defects in presenting the case which is a favor to the management side.