THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No. 25702 OF 2007 O R D E R: The petitioner claims that she is the wife of late P. Gangaiah, who was employed as Deputy Tahsildar in the office of Mandal Revenue Office, Malakalacheruvu Mandal, Chittoor District. He is said to have died on 30.7.2001, while in service. In the context of extension of the death/retirement benefits of the deceased employee, the 1st respondent acted on the claim made by the 2nd respondent herein, the daughter of the petitioner and late Gangaiah. The claim of the petitioner was not accepted, on the ground that late Gangaiah obtained ex parte decree of divorce against the petitioner on 14.9.1998, in O.P.No.106 of 1997, from the Court of Senior Civil Judge, Madanapalli. This writ petition is filed, with a prayer to direct the 1st respondent to grant family pension, in the name of the petitioner, and to direct the concerned authorities to set aside the ex parte decree, dated 14.9.1998 in O.P.No.106 of 1997. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Additional Standing Counsel for the 1st respondent. It is a matter of record that an ex parte decree of divorce was passed against the petitioner on 14.9.1998, in O.P.No.106 of 1997. Unless that decree is set aside, the petitioner cannot be recognized as a legal heir, nor any family pension can be granted to her. The petitioner has to work out her remedies against the ex parte decree, either by filing an application under Order IX Rule 13 C.P.C., or by preferring an appeal. An application in S.R. No.4126 of 2008 is said to have been filed by the petitioner in the said O.P. Even assuming that there is any lapse on the part of the trial court, in taking further steps in the matter, the petitioner has to work out her remedies, in a revision filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India. As long as the ex parte decree subsists, the petitioner cannot be granted any relief, in this writ petition. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, leaving it open to the petitioner to work out her remedies, vis-à-vis the ex parte decree dated 14.9.1998, in O.P.No.106 of 1997, on the file of the Senior Civil Judge, Madanapalli. There shall be no order as to costs. ________________ 22nd July 2008 PAN