Report No. 15
39. Decree in proceedings.-
(1) In any proceeding under Chapters IV to VII, whether defended or not, if the court is satisfied that-
(a) any of the grounds for granting relief exists and the petitioner 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 adultery, the petitioner has not in any manner been accessory to or connived at or condoned the adultery, or where the ground of the petition is cruelty, the petitioner has not in any manner condoned the cruelty, and
(c) the petition 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.
[Section 12, part, section 13, part, section 14, part, and section 23, latter part, Divorce Act.]
[Cf. section 24, H.M.A., section 33, S.M.A.].
(2) Before proceeding to grant any relief under Chapters IV to VII, 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.
(3) For the purpose of aiding the court in bringing about such reconciliation, the court may, if the parties so desire or if it thinks it just and proper so to do, adjourn the proceeding 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 a reconciliation can be, and has been, effected, and shall, in disposing of the proceeding, have due regard to the report.
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