Is it legal for a small claims court judge to call claimant at home, in order to inform him that court proceedings have started

Husband had a small claims suit filed against him. He appeared in court at given date and time. but claimant was not there. Judge made the statement, she would call him at home, since he lived just up the street. She then proceeded to call him and tell him to get to court. Is this legal. My husband was told that if he didnt show up, that claimant would automatically win case, I am sure if he had not showed up, we would have not gotten a call at home.