Section 32 Matrimonial Causes Act 1970

Section 32 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1970 is about Joinder of adulterers, etc. It provides as follows:

(1) Where, in a petition for a decree of dissolution of marriage or in an answer to such a petition, a party to the marriage is alleged to have committed adultery with a specified person, whether or not a decree of dissolution of marriage is sought on the basis of that allegation, that person shall, except as provided by rules of court, be made a party to the proceedings.

(2) Where, in a petition for a decree of dissolution of marriage or in an answer to such a petition, a party to the Marriage is alleged to have committed rape or sodomy on or with a specified person, whether or not a decree of dissolution of marriage is sought on the basis of that allegation, that person shall, except as provided by rules of court, be served with notice that the allegation has been made and is thereupon entitled to intervene in the proceedings.

(3) Where a person has been made a party to proceedings for a decree of dissolution of marriage in pursuance of subsection (1) above, the court may, on the application of that person, if it is satisfied after the close of the case for the party to the marriage who alleged the adultery that there is not sufficient evidence to establish that that person committed adultery with the other party to the marriage, dismiss that person from the proceedings.

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