law: 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.