The husband said he had not seen his wife's face before or during the ceremony because she was required to wear a veil (file image)

An Indian man filed for divorce from his wife after discovering that she had a beard and spoke like a man, it has been reported.

The husband said he had not seen his wife's face before their wedding day because she wore a veil.

He also did not speak to her because the ceremony was arranged through his in-laws, the Times of India reports.

The woman, who has not been named, also wore a veil during their wedding so he did not see her face until after they were married.

The husband, who has also not been named, said: 'When I saw her for the first time, she had make-up on.

'After spending seven days with her, I went out of town for my job. After returning, I noticed she was growing a beard, and also realized that she sounds like a man.'

The woman admitted growing facial hair and having a deep voice because of hormonal issues but told the court that could be fixed with treatment.

Her family had paid a dowry to the man ahead of the wedding, she argued, and said that alimony would have to be paid in the event of a split.

The wife claimed she was physically and mentally abused and that her husband was citing false reasons for the divorce in an attempt to evict her from their house.

A judge rejected the divorce application, saying the reasons given were not sufficient for a split.

The judge also noted that the husband had been absent from several court hearings along with his lawyer.