LINGARAJA RATH, J.

( 1 ) QUESTIONS of deep significance, some of which in many respects are perplexing in nature have been referred to this Bench in the context of consideration of the vires of Sections 10 and 22 of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act. " ).

( 2 ) WP. No. 9717 of 1983 was filed as public interest litigation raising the question of vires of the Sections. During the hearing of the case the learned single Judge felt the matter should be appropriately heard by a Division Bench as "this case raises very important questions touching the personal law of me christians as contained in the Indian Divorce Act. " The learned Judge also felt that it is appropriate for the Court to hear representations of organisations of the christian community including of women which should be vitally interested in the matter. Notices were issued to seven organisations whose names were ascertained from the Bar and permission was also allowed to any other person, organisation or institution to intervene in the matter either for or against the contentions raised in the writ petition. In pursuance of the direction a press-note was issued by the Registrar of the High

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