AV Winslow J:

In this appeal against the judgment of the eighth Magistate dated 1 March 1971 ordering maintenance in the sum of $200 per month to be paid by the appellant to the respondent, with effect from 1 June 1970, under s. 60(1)(c) of the Women's Charter (Cap. 47, 1970 Edn.) for neglecting to provide maintenance for her as his wife, the appellant contended that although he married the respondent in India in 1966 he obtained a divorce from her in the Court of the Munsif at Tellicherry, Kerala State, on 2 January 1970.

The sole issue before the Magistate was whether she was still the wife of the appellant and whether he had neglected to maintain her and he decided that the respondent was still married to the appellant and that the divorce granted by the Court of the Munsif on 2 January 1970 could not be recognised in Singapore.

The Magistate found that the appellant was domiciled in Singapore on that date.

By virtue of the provisions of s. 80 of the Women's Charter therefore, jurisdiction with regard to the dissolution of such a marriage as this which was celebrated on 18 April 1966 in Tellicherry, Kerala State rests with the High Court of Singapore.

There is n