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HMA, 1955
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HMAChapter VSection 23A
Section23A

Relief for respondent in divorce and other proceedings

AI Assist

Summary

In divorce, judicial separation or restitution proceedings, a respondent may oppose the petition and also counter-claim for relief under this Act on the ground of the petitioner’s adultery, cruelty or desertion. If those grounds are proved, the court may grant the respondent any relief under the Act they would have received if they had filed a petition on that ground.

Example

Ravi files a petition for restitution of conjugal rights against Priya. Priya, the respondent, proves Ravi’s cruelty and counter-claims for divorce and maintenance under the Act. The court may grant Priya the divorce or maintenance she would have obtained had she filed a petition on cruelty.

Bare Act

Enacted text

In any proceeding for divorce or judicial separation or restitution of conjugal rights, the respondent may not only oppose the relief sought on the ground of petitioner’s adultery, cruelty or desertion, but also make a counter-claim for any relief under this Act on that ground; and if the petitioner’s adultery, cruelty or desertion is proved, the court may give to the respondent any relief under this Act to which he or she would have been entitled if he or she had presented a petition seeking such relief on that ground.

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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 23Decree in proceedingsNext · Section 24Maintenance pendente lite and expenses of proceedings