Judgment

GROVER, J.:- This is an appeal by special leave from a judgment of the Calcutta High Court arising out of a matrimonial suit No. 17 of 1966 filed by the appellant against the respondent for a decree declaring that the marriage between the parties was null and void and asking for custody and care of the children, alimony pendente lite, permanent maintenance and other reliefs,

2. The facts may first be stated. The appellant and the respondent are close relations; their mothers being real sisters. It appears that prior to January 30, 1960 they had sexual relations as a result of which the appellant became enciente (pregnant). The respondent who was originally a Hindu had got converted to Christianity and professed the Roman Catholic faith. The appellant who was also a Hindu got converted to that faith and was baptised on January 29, 1960. On January 30, 1960 one Father Antoine solemnised the marriage of the parties at the Church of St. Ignatius, Calcutta. On May 10, 1960 the first child, a daughter, was born to the appellant. She gave birth toa second child, also a daughter, in October 1961. It would appear that the appellant left the home of the respondent in the year 1965 an