It is well settled that an ex parte decree is binding as a decree passed after contest on the person against whom such an ex parte decree has been passed - ex parte decree is good and effective as a decree passed without any protest unless the decree is set aside in the manner known to law.

Saroja  vs. - Chinnusamy (dead) by LRs. and another 

(2007)8 Supreme Court Cases 329

 where the Apex Court held in paras 13, 15 and 16 as follows:-

"13. It is well settled that an ex parte decree is binding as a decree passed after contest on the person against whom such an ex parte decree has been passed. It is equally well settled that an ex parte decree would be so treated unless the party challenging the ex parte decree satisfies the Court that such an ex parte decree has been obtained by fraud