Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), in an action for mandate, as in other civil actions:
(1) the complaint must be verified;
(2) the summons must be issued, or publication made, and proof of service and notice made; and
(3) the person, body, or tribunal defendant shall:
(A) appear and answer the complaint; or
(B) suffer default.
(b) When an emergency is shown in the complaint, the court or the judge may issue an order at the time the complaint is filed, directing a shorter time for the return of the summons and for the appearance and answer of the defendant than is provided in civil cases. The return of the summons and the time for appearance must be fixed by the court.