By the Court.—This is an appeal challenging the order dated 12.10.2012 whereby the divorce petition filed by the appellant-husband under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) has been dismissed on the ground that the respondent-wife was not present and since more than 18 months had passed after the filing of the petition jointly by the husband the wife, mutual divorce could not be granted in the absence of the respondent-wife.

2. We have heard Sri Krishna Ji Khare, learned counsel for the appellant. In view of the order of date passed on the order-sheet, whereby service on the sole respondent has been deemed to be sufficient, this appeal is being disposed of at this stage.

3. The facts leading to the filing of the petition under Section 13-B of the Act for divorce by mutual consent are that after the marriage of the appellant with the respondent in the year 2006, a First Information Report was lodged by the respondent (wife) against her husband (appellant), which was registered as case crime No. 244 of 2010 under Sections 498-A, 323 IPC and Section ¾ Dowry Prohibition Act. Challenging the same, the appellant filed Criminal Misc.