JUDGMENT

Paripoornan, J.-Special Leave granted in both cases. The main appeal is the one arising out of Special Leave Petition (C) No. 20097 of 1996. The said appeal is filed against the judgment and order of the Gujarat High Court rendered in L.P.A. No. 373 of 1996. The appellant in both the appeals is Sri Ashok G. Hurra (the husband) and the respondent in both the appeals is Rupa Ashok Hurra (the wife). We will deal with the facts in the main appeal which is covered by Special Leave Petition No. 20097 of 1996.

2. The marriage between the appellant (husband) and the respondent (wife) was solemnized on 3.12.1970 according to the Hindu rites and custom at Ahmedabad. The couple have no issue. It seems difference of opinion cropped up between the parties. Presumably it persisted and so they could not stay together. On 30.6.1983, the wife left the matrimonial home. Thereafter, the couple started residing separately. On 21.8.1984, a joint petition for divorce was filed under section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act. It was signed by both the parties and both of them appeared before Court. Both of them are highly educated and intelligent and managing their own affairs and business. In the joi