1. Whether a Hindu Marriage solemnised within this country can be validly annulled by a decree of divorce granted by a foreign Court is the question that falls for determination in this revision petition.

2. The proceedings arise out of a petition under Sec. 488, Criminal P.C., moved by the respondent-wife Satya on the 22nd of April, 1965, claiming maintenance on behalf of herself and her two minor children against her husband Teja Singh. It was averred therein that the marriage between the parties took place according to Sikh rites on the 1st of July, 1955, in Basti Guzan at Jullundur. Two children were born of the wedlock in the year 1956 and 1958. Towards the end of the year 1958, the petitioner-husband planned to go to U.S.A. to secure a Doctorate in Forestry and accordingly left for the United States on the 23rd of January, 1959. He is said to have joined the University in the State of New York and spent more than five years for obtaining higher education there and subsequently had secured employment in the States and was said to be receiving a salary of about Rs. 2,500.00 per mensem. During this long period it was alleged that he had wholly refused and neglected to ma