Indian Divorce Act, 1869
15. Relief in case of opposition on certain grounds
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 without
reasonable excuse, or, in case of such a suit instituted by a wife, on the ground
of her adultery and cruelty, 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 such
cruelty or desertion.