JUDGMENT :

M.B.Snehalatha. J.

Challenge in this appeal is by the husband against the judgment and decree of Family Court, Muvattupuzha in O.P.No.224/2022 which granted a decree of divorce sought by the wife under Section 13 (1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 .

2. Parties in this appeal shall be referred to by their rank in O.P.No.224/2022.

3. Petitioner filed the petition for divorce contending as follows:

The marriage between the petitioner and the respondent was solemnized on 23.10.2016 as per Hindu rites and ceremonies. At the time of marriage, petitioner was given 35 sovereigns of gold ornaments by her parents. Respondent is a person having superstitious beliefs who is not interested in having sex with the petitioner and not interested in having kids. Due to his said attitude, petitioner was put to severe mental agony and pain. Respondent often goes to pilgrimage, leaving the petitioner alone. Petitioner is an Ayurvedic doctor. Respondent did not permit her to join PG course and he compelled the petitioner to lead a life based on superstitious and false beliefs. The stipend received by the petitioner while she was studying at Rashtreeya Vidyapeedam was misappropriated by the