ORDER

Though the respondent is served, no one appears for the respondent.

Leave granted.

2. The appellant is the wife, against whom her husband had obtained an ex-parte decree of divorce. After obtaining the decree, the husband died. The wife on coming to know of the ex-parte decree, applied for setting aside the decree of divorce under Order IX Rule 13 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The Trial Court dismissed the said application observing since the divorce is a personal remedy, it cannot be pursued after the death of the husband. On appeal, the Trial Court s view was reversed. But the Appellate Court s view has in turn been reversed by the High Court.

3. We are of the opinion that the wife should be and is competent to maintain the application under Order IX Rule 13. Even though the husband is dead, yet the decree obtained by him is effective in law and determines the status of the appellant. If the appellant says that it is an ex-parte decree and ought to be set aside, her application has to be heard on merits. The decree of divorce determines her status as a wife apart from determining her rights in the properties of her decreased husband. This gives her sufficient locus standi an