P.Krishna Kumar, J.

JUDGMENT

A petition for divorce was filed by the husband before the Family Court, Pathanamthitta, under Section 13 (1)(ia) and 13(1)(ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act , 1955, against his wife, alleging matrimonial cruelty and desertion. The Family Court rejected the petition, finding that the husband failed to prove the grounds set up by him. The said order is challenged in this appeal.

2. The appellant married the respondent on 1.5.1996 as per the Hindu religious rites. They have a daughter in that wedlock. The appellant was a Development Officer in Life Insurance Corporation, and the respondent was an Assistant Manager in the KSFE. According to the appellant, the respondent never loved, cared for, or respected him, and she had been evading her duties as a wife. She frequently left for her parental home, leaving the appellant alone in their matrimonial home. The respondent always treated him with disrespect and often attempted to tease and ridicule him in front of others, which caused him grave mental agony. The respondent showed no interest in maintaining a sexual relationship with the appellant after the birth of the child, and she intentionally avoided physical in