DIVORCE ACT, 1869
This Act may be called the Indian Divorce Act, and shall come into operation on the first day of April, 1869.
2[This Act extends to 3[the whole of India] 4[except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.]]
Extent of power to grant relief generally, and to make decrees of dissolution, or of nullity- 5[Nothing hereinafter contained shall authorize any court to grant any relief under this Act except where the petitioner 6[or respondent] professes the Christian religion,
or to make decrees of dissolution of marriage except where the parties to the marriage are domiciled in India at the time when the petition is presented,
or to make decrees of nullity of marriage except where the marriage has been solemnized in India and the petitioner is resident in India at the time of presenting the petition,
or to grant any relief under this Act, other than a decree of dissoluti
Section 2 of the Divorce Act, 1869, primarily defines the scope and applicability of the Act concerning divorce proceedings among Christians in India. It sets the territorial and personal jurisdiction criteria for filing divorce petitions, emphasizing domicile and religious affiliation. Over time, this section has been subject to amendments and judicial interpretations to address issues of jurisdiction, domicile, and the rights of non-domiciled parties.
Section 2 states that the Act extends to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir and specifies that the Court shall have jurisdiction to entertain divorce petitions where the parties are domiciled in India at the time of filing. It also clarifies that the Act applies only to persons professing the Christian religion and who are domiciled in India.
Section 2 delineates the geographical and personal jurisdiction for filing divorce petitions under the Act. It restricts the Court's jurisdiction to cases where both parties are domiciled in India and profess the Christian religion. It also excludes Jammu and Kashmir from its territorial ambit, aligning with the constitutional and legislative framework of the time.
Section 2 itself does not prescribe any punishment. Its function is procedural, establishing jurisdictional limits. Any violations, such as filing petitions outside the jurisdiction, are subject to procedural dismissals or rejection of petitions, not criminal penalties.
Note: The above commentary synthesizes legal principles, judicial interpretations, and legislative developments based on the provided sources and relevant case law. The focus remains on the scope, application, and legal implications of Section 2 of the Divorce Act, 1869.
In this Act, unless there be something repugnant in the subject or context,—
1[(1) “High Court” means with reference to any area—
(a) in a State, the High Court for that State;
2[(b) in Delhi, the High Court of Delhi;
3[***]]
(c) in Manipur and Tripura, the High Court of Assam;
(d) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the High Court at Calcutta;
(e) in 4[Lakshadweep], the High Court of Kerala;
5[(ee) in Chandigarh, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana,]
and in the case of any petition under this Act, “High Court” me
Exception.—The jurisdiction now exercised by the High Courts in respect of divorce a mensa et toro, and in all other causes, suits and matters matrimonial, shall be exercised by such Courts and by the District Courts subject to the provisions in this Act contained, and not otherwise: except so far as relates to the granting of marriage-licenses, which may be granted as if this Act had not been passed.
Any decree or order of the late Supreme Court of Judicature at Calcutta, Madras or Bombay sitting on the ecclesiastical side, or of any of the said High Courts sitting in the exercise of their matrimonial jurisdiction, respectively, in any cause or matter matrimonial, may be enforced and dealt with by the said High Courts, respectively, as hereinafter mentioned, in like manner as if such decree or order had been originally made under this Act by the Court so enforcing or dealing with the same.
All suits and proceedings in causes and matters matrimonial, which when this Act comes into operation are pending in any High Court, shall be dealt with and decided by such Court, so far as may be, as if they had been originally instituted therein under this Act.
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).]
The High Court may, whenever it thinks fit, remove and try and determine as a Court of original jurisdiction any suit or proceeding instituted under this Act in the Court of any District Judge within the limits of its jurisdiction under this Act.
Power to transfer suits.—The High Court may also withdraw any such suit or proceeding, and transfer it for trial or disposal to the Court of any other such District Judge.
When any question of law or usage having the force of law arises at any point in the proceedings previous to the hearing of any suit under this Act by a District Court or at any subsequent stage of such suit, or in the execution of the decree therein or order thereon,
the Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of any of the parties, draw up a statement of the case and refer it, with the Court’s own opinion thereon, to the decision of the High Court.
If the question has arisen previous to or in the hearing, the District Court may either stay such proceedings, or proceed in the case pending such reference, and pass a decree contingent upon the opinion of the High Court upon it.
If a decree or order has been made, its execution shall be stayed until the receipt of the order of
(1) Any marriage solemnized, whether before or after the commencement* of the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001, may, on a petition presented to the District Court either by the husband or the wife, be dissolved on the ground that since the solemnization of the marriage, the respondent—
(i) has committed adultery; or
(ii) has ceased to be Christian by conversion to another religion; or
(iii) has been incurably of unsound mind for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the petition; or
(iv) has, for a period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the petition, been suffering from a virulent and incurable form of leprosy; or
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(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, a petition for dissolution of marriage may be presented to the District Court by both the parties to a marriage together, whether such marriage was solemnized before or after the commencement* of the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001, on the ground that they have been living separately for a period of two years or more, that they have not been able to live together and they have mutually agreed that the marriage should be dissolved.
(2) On the motion of both the parties made not earlier than six months after the date of presentation of the petition referred to in sub-section (1) and not later than eighteen months after the said date, if the petition is not withdrawn by both the parties in the meantime, the Court shall, on being satisfied, after hearing the parties and making such inquiry, as it thinks fit
On a petition for dissolution of marriage presented by a husband or wife on the ground of adultery, the petitioner shall make the alleged adulterer or adulteress a co-respondent, unless the petitioner is excused by the Court from so doing on any of the following grounds, namely:—
(a) that the wife, being the respondent is leading the life of a prostitute or the husband, being respondent is leading an immoral life and that the petitioner knows of no person with whom the adultery has been committed;
(b) that the name of the alleged adulterer or adulteress is unknown to the petitioner although the petitioner has made due efforts to discover it;
(c) that the alleged adulterer or adulteress is dead.]
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Upon any such petition for the dissolution of a marriage, the Court shall satisfy itself, so far as it reasonably can, not only as to the facts alleged, but also whether or not the petitioner has been in any manner accessory to, or conniving at, the going through of the said form of marriage, or the adultery, or has condoned the same, and shall also enquire into any countercharge which may be made against the petitioner.
In case the Court, on the evidence in relation to any such petition, is satisfied that the petitioner’s case has not been proved, or is not satisfied that the alleged adultery has been committed,
or finds that the petitioner has, during the marriage, been accessory to, or conniving at, the going through of the said form of marriage, or the adultery of the other party to the marriage, or has condoned the adultery complained of,
or that the petition is presented or prosecuted in collusion with either of the respondents,
then and in any of the said cases the Court shall dismiss the petition.
1[***]
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1. Last paragraph omitted by Act 51 o
In case the Court is satisfied on the evidence that the case of the petitioner has been proved,
and does not find that the petitioner has been in any manner accessory to, or conniving at, the going through of the said form of marriage, or the adultery of the other party to the marriage, or has condoned the adultery complained of,
or that the petition is presented or prosecuted in collusion with either of the respondents,
the Court shall pronounce a decree declaring such marriage to be dissolved 1[***]:
Provided that the Court shall not be bound to pronounce such decree if it finds that the petitioner has, during the marriage, been guilty of adultery,
or if the petitioner has, in the opinion of the Court,
In any suit instituted for dissolution of marriage, if the respondent opposes the relief sought on the ground, in case of such a suit instituted by a husband, of his adultery, cruelty, or desertion 1[***] or, in case of such a suit instituted by a wife, on the ground of 2[her adultery or cruelty or desertion], the Court may in such suit give to the respondent, on his or her application, the same relief to which he or she would have been entitled in case he or she had presented a petition seeking such relief, and the respondent shall be competent to give evidence of or relating to 3[such adultery, cruelty] or desertion.
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1. The words “without reasonable excuse,” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 10 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
2. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 10, for
Every decree for dissolution of marriage made by a High Court 1[***] shall in the first instance, be a decree nisi, not to be made absolute till after the expiration of such time, not less than six months from the pronouncing thereof, as the High Court, by general or special order from time to time, directs.
Collusion.—During that period any person shall be at liberty, in such manner as the High Court by general or special order from time to time directs, to show cause why the said decree should not be made absolute by reason of the same having been obtained by collusion or by reason of material facts not being brought before the Court.
On cause being so shown, the Court shall deal with the case by making the decree absolute, or by reversing the decree nisi, or by requiring further inquiry, or otherwise as justice may demand.
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During the progress of the suit in the Court of the District Judge, any person suspecting that any parties to the suit are or have been acting in collusion for the purpose of obtaining a divorce, shall be at liberty, in such manner as the High Court by general or special order from time to time directs, to apply to the High Court to remove the suit under section 8, and the Court shall thereupon, if it thinks fit, remove such suit and try and determine the same as a Court of original jurisdiction, and the provisions contained in section 16 shall apply to every suit so removed; or it may direct the District Judge to take such steps in respect of the alleged collusion as may be necessary, to enable him to make a decree in accordance with the justice of the case.]
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 12, for
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001), sec. 13 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).]]
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1. Ins. by Act 15 of 1927, sec. 2.
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1937.
Any husband or wife may present a petition to the District Court 1[***] praying that his or her marriage may be declared null and void.
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1. The words “or to the High Court” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 14 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Such decree may be made on any of the following grounds:—
(1) that the respondent was impotent at the time of the marriage and at the time of the institution of the suit;
(2) that the parties are within the prohibited degree of consanguinity (whether natural or legal) or affinity;
(3) that either party was a lunatic or idiot at the time of the marriage;
(4) that the former husband or wife of either party was living at the time of the marriage, and the marriage with such former husband or wife was then in force.
Nothing in this section shall affect the 1[jurisdiction of the District Court] to make decrees of nullity of marriage on the ground that the consent of either party was obtained by force or
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001), sec. 16 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).]
Where a marriage is annulled on the ground that a former husband or wife was living, and it is adjudged that the subsequent marriage was contracted in good faith and with the full belief of the parties that the former husband or wife was dead, or when a marriage is annulled on the ground of insanity, children begotten before the decree is made shall be specified in the decree, and shall be entitled to succeed, in the same manner as legitimate children, to the estate of the parent who at the time of the marriage was competent to contract.
No decree shall hereafter be made for a divorce a mensa et toro, but the husband or wife may obtain a decree of judicial separation, on the ground of adultery, or cruelty, or desertion 1[***] for two years or upwards, and such decree shall have the effect of a divorce a mensa et toro under the existing law, and such other legal effect as hereinafter mentioned.
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1. The words “without reasonable excuse” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 17 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Application for judicial separation on any one of the grounds aforesaid, may be made by either husband or wife by petition to the District Court 1[***] and the Court, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements made in such petition, and that there is no legal ground why the application should not be granted, may decree judicial separation accordingly.
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1. The words “or the High Court” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 18 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
In every case of a judicial separation under this Act, the wife shall from the date of the sentence, and whilst the separation continues, be considered as unmarried with respect to property of every description which she may acquire, or which may come to or devolve upon her.
Such property may be disposed of by her in all respects as an unmarried woman, and on her decease the same shall, in case she dies intestate, go as the same would have gone if her husband had been then dead:
Provided that, if any such wife again cohabits with her husband, all such property as she may be entitled to when such cohabitation takes place shall be held to her separate use, subject, however, to any agreement in writing made between herself and her husband whilst separate.
In every case of a judicial separation under this Act, the wife shall whilst so separated, be considered as an unmarried woman for the purpose of contract, and wrongs and injuries, and suing and being sued in any civil proceedings; and her husband shall not be liable in respect of any contract, act or costs entered into, done, omitted or incurred by her during the separation:
PROVIDED that where, upon any such judicial separation, alimony has been decreed or ordered to be paid to the wife, and the same is not duly paid by the husband, he shall be liable for necessaries supplied for her use:
PROVIDED ALSO that nothing shall prevent the wife from joining at any time during such separation, in the exercise of any joint power given to herself and her husband.
Any husband or wife, upon the application of whose wife or husband, as the case may be, a decree of judicial separation has been pronounced, may, at any time thereafter, present a petition to the Court by which the decree was pronounced, praying for a reversal of such decree, on the ground that it was obtained in his or her absence, and that there was reasonable excuse for the alleged desertion, where desertion was the ground of such decree.
The Court may, on being satisfied of the truth of the allegations of such petition reverse the decree accordingly; but such reversal shall not prejudice or affect the rights or remedies which any other person would have had, in case it had not been decreed, in respect of any debts, contracts, or acts of the wife incurred, entered into, or done between the times of the sentence of separation and of the reversal thereof.
Any wife to whom section 4 of the Indian Succession Act, 1865 (10 of 1865)1 does not apply, may, when deserted by her husband, present a petition to the District Court 2[***], at any time after such desertion, for an order to protect any property which she may have acquired or may acquire, and any property of which she may have become possessed or may become possessed after such desertion, against her husband or his creditors, or any person claiming under him.
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1. See now, the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925).
2. The words “or the High Court” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 18 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
The Court, if satisfied of the fact of such desertion, and that the same was without reasonable excuse, and that the wife is maintaining herself by her own industry or property, may make and give to the wife an order protecting her earnings and other property from her husband and all creditors and persons claiming under him. Every such order shall state the time at which the desertion commenced, and shall, as regards all persons dealing with the wife in reliance thereon, be conclusive as to such time.
The husband or any creditor of, or person claiming under him, may apply to the Court by which such order was made for the discharge or variation thereof, and the Court, if the desertion has ceased, or if for any other reason it thinks fit so to do, may discharge or vary the order accordingly.
If the husband, or any creditor of, or person claiming under, the husband, seizes or continues to hold any property of the wife after notice of any such order, he shall be liable, at the suit of the wife (which she is hereby empowered to bring), to return or deliver to her the specific property, and also to pay her a sum equal to double its value.
So long as any such order of protection remains in force the wife shall be and be deemed to have been, during such desertion of her, in the like position in all respects, with regard to property and contracts and suing and being sued, as she would be under this Act if she obtained a decree of judicial separation.
When either the husband or the wife has, without reasonable excuse, withdrawn from the society of the other, either wife, or husband may apply, by petition to the District Court 1[***] for restitution of conjugal rights, and the Court, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements made in such petition, and that there is no legal ground why the application should not be granted, may decree restitution of conjugal rights accordingly.
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1. The words “or the High Court” omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 18 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Nothing shall be pleaded in answer to a petition for restitution of conjugal rights, which would not be ground for a suit for judicial separation or for a decree of nullity of marriage.
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001), sec. 19 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).]
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001), sec. 20 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001)].
In any suit under this Act, whether it be instituted by a husband or a wife, and whether or not she has obtained an order of protection 1[the wife may present a petition for expenses of the proceedings and alimony pending the suit].
Such petition shall be served on the husband; and the Court, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements therein contained, may make such order on the husband 2[for payment to the wife of the expenses of the proceedings and alimony pending the suit] as it may deem just:
3[***]
4[Provided further that the petition for the expenses of the poceedings and alimony pending the suit, shall, as far as possible, be disposed of within sixty days of service of such petition on the husband.]
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Section 36 of the Divorce Act, 1869, provides a statutory mechanism for a spouse to seek interim alimony and expenses during the pendency of divorce proceedings. It aims to ensure that the financially weaker spouse is supported during the often lengthy litigation process, reflecting the principles of natural justice and social justice.
Section 36 authorizes either the husband or wife to present a petition for alimony and expenses of proceedings during a suit under the Act. The court, upon being satisfied of the truth of the statements, may order the other spouse to pay a reasonable amount as interim maintenance. The section also restricts the maximum amount to one-fifth of the husband's average net income for the three preceding years and mandates disposal of such petitions as expeditiously as possible, ideally within sixty days.
Section 36 itself does not specify a punishment for failure to comply with the court's order. However, contempt proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act or other enforcement mechanisms can be initiated if the spouse wilfully disobeys the court order for interim maintenance.
This comprehensive analysis underscores that Section 36 of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, is a vital provision ensuring the financial security of spouses during divorce proceedings, with judicial discretion, procedural safeguards, and a focus on justice and expediency.
1[Where a decree of dissolution of the marriage or a decree of judicial separation is obtained by the wife, the District Court may order that the husband shall], to the satisfaction of the Court, secure to the wife such gross sum of money, or such annual sum of money for any term not exceeding her own life, as, having regard to her fortune (if any), to the ability of the husband, and to the conduct of the parties, it thinks reasonable; and for that purpose may cause a proper instrument to be executed by all necessary parties.
Power to order monthly or weekly payments.—In every such case the Court may make an order on the husband for payment to the wife of such monthly or weekly sums for her maintenance and support as the Court may think reasonable:
Provided that if the husband afterwards from any cause becomes unable to make such payment
In all cases in which the Court makes any decree or order for alimony, it may direct the same to be paid either to the wife herself, or to any trustee on her behalf to be approved by the Court, and may impose any terms or restrictions which to the Court seem expedient, and may from time to time appoint a new trustee, if it appears to the Court expedient so to do.
[Rep. by the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 (51 of 2001), sec. 23 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001)].
1[The District Court may, before passing a decree for dissolution of the marriage or a decree of nullity of marriage, inquire into] the existence of ante-nuptial or post-nuptial settlements made on the parties whose marriage is the subject of the decree, and may make such orders, with reference to the application of the whole or a portion of the property settled, whether for the benefit of the husband or the wife, or of the children (if any) of the marriage, or of both children and parents, as to the Court seems fit:
Provided that the Court shall not make any order for the benefit of the parents or either of them at the expense of the children.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 24, for certain words (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
In any suit for obtaining a judicial separation the Court may from time to time, before making its decree, make such interim orders, and may make such provision in the decree, as it deems proper with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of such suit, and may, if it thinks fit, direct proceedings to be taken for placing such children under the protection of the said Court:
1[Provided that the application with respect to the maintenance and education of the minor children pending the suit, shall, as far as possible, be disposed of within sixty days from the date of service of notice on the respondent.]
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1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2001, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 24-9-2001).
The Court after a decree of judicial separation, may upon application (by petition) for this purpose make, from time to time, all such orders and provisions, with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of the decree, or for placing such children under the protection of the said Court, as might have been made by such decree or by interim orders in case the proceedings for obtaining such decree were still pending.
1[In any suit for obtaining a dissolution of marriage or a decree of nullity of marriage instituted in a District Court, the Court may from time to time before making its decree, make such interim orders as it may deem proper] with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of the suit,
and may, if it thinks fit, direct proceedings to be taken for placing such children under the protection of the Court.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 25, for certain words (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
1[Where a decree of dissolution or nullity of marriage has been passed, the District Court may, upon application] by petition for the purpose, make from time to time all such orders and provision, with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents was the subject of the decree, or for placing such children under the protection of the said Court, as might have been made by such decree absolute or decree (as the case may be), or by such interim orders as aforesaid.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 26, for certain words (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Subject to the provisions herein contained, all proceedings under this Act between party and party shall be regulated by the 1[Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908)].
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 27, for "Code of Civil Procedure" (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Section 45 of the Divorce Act, 1869, is a crucial provision that stipulates the procedural framework governing divorce proceedings under the Act. It ensures that the process of divorce aligns with the general civil procedure, providing consistency and judicial efficiency. This section underscores the applicability of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) to divorce cases, facilitating a structured approach to adjudication.
Section 45 states:"Subject to the provisions herein contained, all proceedings under this Act shall be regulated by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908."This means that, unless explicitly provided otherwise within the Divorce Act, the procedural aspects of divorce cases shall follow the rules and procedures laid down in the CPC of 1908.
In summary, Section 45 of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, plays a vital role in ensuring that divorce proceedings are conducted in accordance with the well-established civil procedural laws, primarily the CPC of 1908. While it promotes uniformity and fairness, it also provides the flexibility for courts to modify or adapt procedures as necessary within the framework of the Act and judicial discretion.
The forms set forth in the Schedule to this Act, with such variation as the circumstances of each case require, may be used for the respective purposes mentioned in such Schedule.
Every petition under this Act for a decree of dissolution of marriage, or of nullity of marriage, or of judicial separation 1[***] shall 2[***] state that there is not any collusion or connivance between the petitioner and the other party to the marriage.
Statements to be verified.—The statements contained in every petition under this Act shall be verified by the petitioner or some other competent person in manner required by law for the verification of plaints, and may at the hearing be referred to as evidence.
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1. The words “or of reversal of judicial separation, or for restitution of conjugal rights, or for damages, shall bear a stamp of five rupees, and” rep. by Act 7 of 1870, sec. 2 and Sch. III.
2. The
When the husband or wife is a lunatic or idiot, any suit under this Act (other than a suit for restitution of conjugal rights) may be brought on his or her behalf by the committee or other person entitled to his or her custody.
Where the petitioner is a minor, he or she shall sue by his or her next friend to be approved by the Court; and no petition presented by a minor under this Act shall be filed until the next friend has undertaken in writing to be answerable for costs.
Such undertaking 1[***] shall be filed in Court, and the next friend shall thereupon be liable in the same manner and to the same extent as if he were a plaintiff in an ordinary suit.
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1. The words “shall bear a stamp of eight annas and” rep. by Act 7 of 1870, sec. 2 and Sch. III.
Every petition under this Act shall be served on the party to be affected thereby, either within or without 1[India], in such manner as the High Court by general or special order from time to time directs:
Provided that the Court may dispense with such service altogether in case it seems necessary or expedient so to do.
state amendment
Uttar Pradesh.—For the words "High Court by general or special order from time to time directs", the words "Court may direct" shall be substituted.
[Vide U.P. Act XXX of 1957, sec. 2 and sch. (w.e.f. 21-10-1957)].
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1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “the Provinces” which had been subs. by the A.O. 1948, f
The witnesses in all proceedings before the Court, where their attendance can be had, shall be examined orally, and any party may offer himself or herself as a witness, and shall be examined, and may be cross-examined and re-examined, like any other witness:
Provided that the parties shall be at liberty to verify their respective cases in whole or in part by affidavit, but so that the deponent in every such affidavit shall, on the application of the opposite party, or by direction of the Court, be subject to be cross-examined by or on behalf of the opposite party orally, and after such cross-examination may be re-examined orally as aforesaid by or on behalf of the party by whom such affidavit was filed.
On any petition presented 1[by a husband or a wife, praying that his or her marriage may be dissolved by reason of his wife or her husband, as the case may be, having been guilty of adultery, cruelty or desertion], the husband and wife respectively shall be competent and compellable to give evidence of or relating to such cruelty or desertion.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 28, for certain words (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Section 52 of the Divorce Act, 1869, pertains to the competence of both husband and wife to give evidence in cases concerning allegations of cruelty or desertion. It is a significant provision that ensures both parties can testify about the grounds for divorce, particularly cruelty, which is a common ground for dissolution of marriage under the Act.
Section 52 establishes that in proceedings under the Act, both the husband and wife are competent to testify regarding allegations of cruelty or desertion. It also stipulates that both parties can be examined as witnesses, and their testimony is admissible in court to establish the grounds for divorce.
This commentary synthesizes available data from the provided sources and contextual understanding of Section 52 of the Divorce Act, 1869.
The whole or any part of any proceeding under this Act may be heard, if the Court thinks fit, with closed doors.
The Court may, from time to time, adjourn the hearing of any petition under this Act, and may require further evidence thereon if it sees fit so to do.
All decrees and orders made by the Court in any suit or proceeding under this Act shall be enforced and may be appealed from, in the like manner as the decrees and orders of the Court made in the exercise of its original civil jurisdiction are enforced and may be appealed from, under the laws, rules and orders for the time being in force:
1[***]
No appeal as to costs.—2[Provided] that there shall be no appeal on the subject of costs only.
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1. The first proviso omitted by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 29 (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
2. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 29, for “Provided also” (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Any person may appeal to 1[the Supreme Court] from any decree (other than a decree nisi) or order under this Act of a High Court made on appeal or otherwise,
and from any decree (other than a decree nisi) or order made in the exercise of original jurisdiction by Judges of a High Court or of any Division Court from which an appeal shall not lie to the High Court,
when the High Court declares that the case is a fit one for appeal to 2[the Supreme Court].
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1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Her Majesty in Council”.
2. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 29, for “Provided also” (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
Where a decree for dissolution or nullity of marriage has been passed and either the time for appeal has expired without an appeal having been presented to any court including the Supreme Court or an appeal has been presented but has been dismissed and the decree or dismissal has become final, it shall be lawful for either party to the marriage to marry again.]
state amendment
Uttar Pradesh.—For the existing section, the following section shall be substituted:
“57. Liberties to parties to marry again.—When six months after the date of any decree absolute dissolving a marriage have expired, and no appeal has been presented against such decree,
or when any such appeal has been dismissed,
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No clergyman in Holy Orders of the 1[***] Church of England 2[***] shall be compelled to solemnize the marriage of any person whose former marriage has been dissolved on the ground of his or her adultery, or shall be liable to any suit, penalty or censure for solemnizing or refusing to solemnize the marriage of any such person.
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1. The word “United” rep. by Act 12 of 1873, sec. 1 and Sch.
2. The words “and Ireland” rep. by Act 12 of 1873, sec. 1 and Sch.
When any Minister of any Church or Chapel of the said 1[***] Church refuses to perform such marriage-service between any persons who but for such refusal would be entitled to have the same service performed in such Church or Chapel, such Minister shall permit any other Minister in Holy Orders of the said Church, entitled to officiate within the diocese in which such Church or Chapel is situate, to perform such marriage-service in such Church or Chapel.
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1. The word “United” rep. by Act 12 of 1873, sec. 1 and Sch.
Every decree for judicial separation or order to protect property, obtained by a wife under this Act shall, until reversed or discharged, be deemed valid, so far as necessary, for the protection of any person dealing with the wife.
No reversal, discharge or variation of such decree or order shall affect any rights or remedies which any person would otherwise have had in respect of any contracts or acts of the wife entered into or done between the dates of such decree or order, and of the reversal, discharge or variation thereof.
Indemnity of persons making payment to wife without notice of reversal of decree or protection order.—All persons who in reliance on any such decree or order make any payment to, or permit any transfer or act to be made or done by, the wife who has obtained the same shall, notwithstanding such decree or order may
After this Act comes into operation, no person competent to present a petition under sections 2 and 10 shall maintain a suit for criminal conversation with his wife.
The High Court shall make such rules under this Act as it may from time to time consider expedient, and may from time to time alter and add to the same:
Provided that such rules, alterations and additions are consistent with the provisions of this Act and the 1[Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908)].
All such rules, alteration and additions shall be published in the Official Gazette.
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1. Subs. by Act 51 of 2001, sec. 31, for "Code of Civil Procedure" (w.e.f. 3-10-2001).
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