J U D G M E N T

Shaffique, J.

MA No.901/09 has been filed by the respondent in OP No.1591/2006 of the Family Court, Ernakulam. The OP was filed by the respondent/husband seeking for a declaration that he is the rightful owner in respect of the petition-schedule property and he is entitled to hold and possess the same. The Court below decreed the suit declaring that the petitioner/husband is the absolute owner in respect of property covered by document No.4794/2000 of the Sub Registry Office, Kochi and he is entitled to retain possession of the same.

2. The short facts of the case as reflected in the pleadings are as under and the parties are described as shown in the Original Petition unless otherwise stated.

3. The petitioner and the respondent got married on

17/9/1989 as per Christian religious rites and ceremonies. Two children were born in the wedlock. The contention urged by the petitioner was that he was employed abroad since 1984 until 2003. After the marriage, he executed a general power-of- attorney in favour of her and she was managing all his assets and properties. Even the NRE account maintained by him was operated by the respondent. More than `40 lakhs was transacted by th