Cross-objection survives withdrawal of the main appeal and remains maintainable for decision on merits.

A cross-objection is a substantive appellate remedy carrying the incidents of an appeal, so the respondent's right to pursue it is not extinguished by withdrawal of the main appeal. Withdrawal of the appeal does not make the cross-objection infructuous, and the respondent may still support the decree on all available grounds, including by seeking modification through the cross-objection. The High Court erred in dismissing the cross-objection as having ceased to survive, and the matter was remitted for decision on merits.

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Issues: Whether a cross-objection survives and can be heard on merits when the main appeal is withdrawn.

Analysis: A cross-objection is in the nature of an appeal and carries the incidents of an appeal. The governing principle is that the respondent's right to file a cross-objection is not extinguished merely because the appellant withdraws the main appeal. The withdrawal of the appeal does not render the cross-objection infructuous, and the respondent remains entitled to support the decree on all available grounds, including by way of cross-objection where modification is sought.

Conclusion: The cross-objection remained maintainable despite withdrawal of the appeal, and the High Court erred in dismissing it on the ground that it had ceased to survive.

Final Conclusion: The matter was sent back for adjudication of the cross-objection on merits, with the respondent permitted to urge all grounds in support of the decree under challenge.

Ratio Decidendi: A cross-objection is treated as a substantive appellate remedy and survives the withdrawal or dismissal for default of the main appeal.

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