JUDGMENT :

Goutam Bhaduri, J.

1. Heard.

2. Challenge in this appeal is to the judgment & decree dated 06.7.2017 passed by the Judge, Family Court, Bilaspur C.G. in Civil Suit No.216-A/2014 whereby the application filed by the appellant/husband for grant of decree of divorce on the ground of cruelty and desertion, was rejected.

3. The appellant/husband pleaded that he was married to the respondent/wife on 31.01.1986 and stayed up till 15.9.2011. The husband is engaged in job of railway guard and it was stated that before filing of the divorce petition, the wife deserted the husband without any lawful cause, from 15.9.2011. The allegation is that wife had availed different loans to the extent of Rs. 10-12 Lacs, without the knowledge of the husband even by placing the ornaments which were meant for the marriage of their daughter as a pledge to different creditors. Further, the allegation which was also leveled against the husband that the husband was having illicit relation with one lady named Tulsa Mahobia, outside the marriage, consequently, it damaged the reputation of the husband in society, amounting to cruelty and therefore, the divorce was claimed for on these grounds.

4. The wife d