Alternate relief in divorce proceedings

In any proceeding under this Act, on a petition for dissolution of marriage by a decree of divorce, except in so far as the petition is founded on the grounds mentioned in clauses (iv),

1. (vii) and
2. (ix) of sub-section

1. (1) of section 18, the court may, if it considers it just so to do having regard to the circumstances of the case, pass instead a decree for judicial separation.