JUDGMENT

M.B.Snehalatha.J Appellant/husband challenges the judgment and decree of divorce granted by the Family Court, Thalassery in O.P.No.1023/2022 filed by the respondent/wife under Section 10 (1)(ix) and (x) for the Divorce Act .

2. The parties shall be referred to by their rank in the Original Petition.

3. The wife filed the Original Petition seeking divorce, stating that her marriage with the respondent was solemnized on 25.4.2019 in accordance with the rites and customs of Christians; that after the marriage, she was residing in the house of the respondent. At the time of marriage, she was given seven sovereigns of gold ornaments and ₹50,000/- as patrimony by her parents. Respondent misappropriated the entire gold ornaments and cash for his own use. Respondent mentally and physically harassed her by alleging that she has not brought enough dowry as expected by him and also by alleging that it was due to her fault, she could not give birth to a child. Respondent also suspected her chastity. On 30.6.2020 respondent assaulted the petitioner and ousted her from the house by demanding more dowry. The petitioner is residing with her parents from 30.6.2020 onwards. Respondent is n