Srinivasan, J.

1. This appeal has been preferred by the wife against the decree for divorce granted by the First Additional District Judge at Pondicherry on the ground of cruelty.

2. Admittedly the marriage took place according to Hindu Sastras on 26-6-1975 and a child was born in July 1976. The respondent alleged in the petition for divorce that when the appellant was pregnant, she wanted to go to her parent s house for delivery, but he refused permission due to several domestic reasons. She left the house in May, 1976 without his consent and got herself admitted in the St. Joseph of Cluny Hospital at Pondicherry, The birth of the child was intimated to him only three days thereafter and he went to the hospital to see the child. But, the appellant refused to show the child to him. He was humiliated and distressed by the conduct of the appellant. She issued a notice in August, 1977 demanding from him maintenance at the rate of Rs. 100 per mensem. He issued a reply notice asking her to resume cohabitation within seven days from the receipt thereof. As she was picking up quarrels with his aged parents he provided a separate residence for her at Vazhaikulam. He had to stay with