Shaji P. Chaly, J.

The above appeal is filed by the Respondent against the judgment of the Family Court, Nedumangad in O.P.No.574 of 2008 dated 26.09.2012, whereby the Family Court allowed the Original Petition filed by the 1st Respondent herein, seeking dissolution of the marriage on the ground of cruelty. During the pendency of this appeal, 1st Respondent died and consequently additional Respondents 2 to 4 were impleaded by this Court as per its order dated 15.01.2015 and in spite of service of notice, none appeared either personally or through counsel to contest the proceedings.

2. Brief facts required for the disposal of the appeal discernible from the Original Petition are as follows:

3. The appellant and the 1st Respondent are Hindus and their marriage was solemnized as per the custom, rituals and ceremonies prevailing in the community on 30.08.2002 at Nirmala Kalyana Mandapam, Kazhakoottam. Thereafter, they resided in the house of the 1st Respondent. According to the 1st respondent, at the time of marriage, the appellant was provided with 35 sovereigns of gold ornaments and Rs.50,000/- was given to the 1st Respondent as pocket money, by way of a cheque. The 1st Respon