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HMA, 1955
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HMAChapter VSection 23
Section23

Decree in proceedings

AI Assist

Summary

If the court finds any statutory ground for relief and the petitioner is not taking advantage of their own wrong, has not condoned or connived at the misconduct, is not colluding and there is no undue delay, the court shall grant the relief. Before granting relief the court will, where possible, try to bring about reconciliation (except in certain serious grounds) and may adjourn up to 15 days to refer the parties for a report. When divorce is decreed the court must give each party a copy free of cost.

Example

Priya files for divorce alleging cruel behaviour. The court finds cruelty proved, that Priya did not condone it, there was no collusion or undue delay, and consent was not obtained by fraud, so after attempting reconciliation and a short adjournment the court decrees the divorce and gives each party a free copy of the decree.

Bare Act

Enacted text

(1) In any proceeding under this Act, whether defended or not, if the court is satisfied that

  • (a) any of the grounds for granting relief exists and the petitioner except in cases where the relief is sought by him on the ground specified in sub clause (a), sub-clause (b) or sub-clause (c ) of clause (ii) of section 5 is not in any way taking advantage of his or her own wrong or disability for the purpose of such relief, and

  • (b) where the ground of the petition is the ground specified in clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 13, the petitioner has not in any manner been accessory to or connived at or condoned the act or acts complained of, or where the ground of the petition is cruelty the petitioner has not in any manner condoned the cruelty, and (bb) when a divorce is sought on the ground of mutual consent, such consent has not been obtained by force, fraud or undue influence, and

  • (c) the petition (not being a petition presented under section 11) is not presented or prosecuted in collusion with the respondent, and

  • (d) there has not been any unnecessary or improper delay in instituting the proceeding, and

  • (e) there is no other legal ground why relief should not be granted, then, and in such a case, but not otherwise, the court shall decree such relief accordingly.

(2) Before proceeding to grant any relief under this Act, it shall be the duty of the court in the first instance, in every case where it is possible so to do consistently with the nature and circumstances of the case, to make every endeavour to bring about a reconciliation between the parties:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any proceeding wherein relief is sought on any of the grounds specified in clause (ii), clause (iii), clause (iv), clause (v), clause (vi) or clause (vii) of sub-section (1) of section 13.

(3) F or the purpose of aiding the court in bringing about such reconciliation, the court may, if the parties so desire or if the court thinks it just and proper so to do, adjourn the proceedings for a reasonable period not exceeding fifteen days and refer the matter to any person named by the parties in this behalf or to any person nominated by the court if the parties fail to name any person, with directions to report to the court as to whether reconciliation can be and has been, effected and the court shall in disposing of the proceeding have due regard to the report.

(4) In every case where a marriage is dissolved by a decree of divorce, the court passing the decree shall give a copy thereof free of cost to each of the parties.

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V

Chapter V

Jurisdiction and Procedure

In this chapter

  • 19Court to which petition shall be presented
  • 20Contents and verification of petitions
  • 21Application of Act 5 of 1908
  • 21APower to transfer petitions in certain cases
  • 21BSpecial provision relating to trial and disposal of petitions under the Act
  • 21CDocumentary evidence
  • 22Proceedings to be in camera and may not be printed or published
  • 23Decree in proceedings
  • 23ARelief for respondent in divorce and other proceedings
  • 24Maintenance pendente lite and expenses of proceedings
  • 25Permanent alimony and maintenance
  • 26Custody of children
  • 27Disposal of property
  • 28Appeals from decrees and orders
  • 28AEnforcement of decrees and orders
Previous · Section 22Proceedings to be in camera and may not be printed or publishedNext · Section 23ARelief for respondent in divorce and other proceedings