Under Section 23A of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the respondent may:

Under s.23A of the Hindu Marriage Act, in a proceeding for divorce, judicial separation or restitution of conjugal rights, the respondent may not only oppose the relief but "also make a counter-claim for any relief under this Act" on the ground of the petitioner's adultery, cruelty or desertion. The counter-claim is not confined to maintenance or to judicial separation.