1. The service of this Appeal was complete as per office report dated 19.01.2022, however the sole - respondent / Wife did not appear in person or through her counsel. Since the matter was a matrimonial dispute, this Court had sought the assistance of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Kolkata (West Bengal) for the presence of the Respondent and thereafter the present Appeal was adjourned on several occasion from time to time.

2. Subsequently, the present Appeal was directed to be heard ex parte vide an order dated 28.07.2023. However, again, as an abundant caution, this Court had directed that the ex parte order should also be communicated to the sole - respondent through Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Kolkata (West Bengal) and the registry of this Court was directed to take necessary steps in that regard and list the matter immediately thereafter.

3. Office has reported sufficiency of service of notice on sole respondent vide report dated 21.10.2024, but even after the said service, none appears on behalf of the sole - respondent before this Court to oppose the appeal, hence the appeal is being heard ex parte as it has been pending since the year 2021.

4. Heard Mr. Ashok Sinha, lear