JUDGMENT

K.S.MUDAGAL, J. - Challenging the decree of divorce passed against her, the respondent in M.C.No.2331/2020 on the file of IV Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Bengaluru has preferred this appeal.

2. The appellant was the respondent and the respondent was the petitioner in M.C.No.2331/2020 before the trial Court. For the purpose of convenience, the parties are referred to henceforth according to their ranks before the trial Court.

3. The marriage of the petitioner and the respondent was solemnized on 13/9/2007 at Mayor Ramanathan Chettiar Hall, Chennai. The parties being Hindus are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 ('the Act' for short). Out of the said wedlock, the couple were blessed with a daughter on 7/6/2008 and a son on 17/2/2013.

4. The petitioner filed M.C.No.2331/2020 against the respondent on 5/8/2020 seeking decree for divorce on the ground of cruelty. The notice was issued to the respondent to appear before the Court on 1/10/2020. The order sheet of the trial Court shows that on 27/1/2021 the respondent was placed ex-parte. The petitioner was examined as PW.1 and on his behalf, Exs.P1 to P11 were marked.

5. The trial Court on hearing the petitioner