( 1 ) THIS is a Reference under Section 17 of the Indian Divorce Act for confirmation of a decree nisi for dissolution of marriage between the petitioner Olga Thelma Gomes and her husband Mark Gomes. The petitioner filed the petition for dissolution against her husband on the allegation that her husband was guilty of adultery coupled with desertion for more than two years and also on the allegation that her husband was guilty of adultery coupled with cruelty. From the marriage certificate which has been produced in this case it appears that the petitioner was married to the respondent on 26-4-1936, at St. Francis Xavier Church at 68, Bow Bazar Street according to Christian rites. As a result of the marriage one daughter was born to the petitioner. Upon the evidence which has been believed by the court below the petitioner and her husband lived happily for some time and their last matrimonial home was at premises No. 38 Beckbagan which is within the jurisdiction of the District Judge of 24-Parganas. The petitioner states on oath that both she and her husband have been living in India since their birth and both of them are Indian Christians. The court of the Distric