LAKSHMI DHAR Vs. SACHIT KUMAR DHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal concerns an unfortunate marriage of a young couple and its still more unfortunate sequel. Lakshmi sanyal, the appellant before us, a girl of 19, born of respectable parents and of good education might have married the respondent Sachit Kumar Dhar her first cousin only for love, but she married him when she did, largely compelled by circumstances. It appears that the girl is sensltive, all too human, and basically of good nature but lacking in purpose and strength of will. Unhappily for her, she has found no moorings in life.

(2.) AS is only to be expected, the girl knew her cousin from her early childhood. But it seems that he did not mean much to her until 1958 when on his return from Europe they were thrown into close proximity, more by accident than by design. The respondent had become a Roman Catholic christian in 1952 and developed a certain passion for his adopted faith which he still retains. He seems to have drawn upon the Roman Catholic Church not only for his spiritual sustenance but also for his career. He lectures and writes on Christian theology and comparative religion. Through the Church he has found many friends at home and abroad.

(3.) THE parties saw a great deal of each other and fell in love. Some of the love and affection survived the crdeal of marriage. Writing to him shortly after her marriage, she calls herself 'one who always disturbs you, teases you'-and adds 'but there is no way out as we are partners throughout our life and even on death. Is not that so?'