GURVINDER SINGH GILL, J.

1. The appellant-husband has filed this appeal challenging judgment and decree dated 19.12.2017 vide which a petition filed by him and his wife (respondent) under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) seeking dissolution of their marriage by way of mutual consent has been dismissed by learned Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division) Garhshankar (exercising the powers of District Judge at Garhshankar).

2. The appellant-husband in the joint petition under Section 13-B of the Act averred that his marriage with respondent-wife was solemnized on 24.12.2015 as per Sikh rites and ceremonies but no issue was born out of the wedlock. It is averred therein that the relation between the parties never remained cordial and they withdrew from each-other’s company on 8.1.2016 and have been residing separately ever since then and that ultimately with the intervention of the parents and relatives they had agreed to dissolve their marriage by mutual consent and consequently filed a petition under Section 13-B of the Act.

3. Upon presentation of the petition under Section 13-B of the Act, statements of both the parties were