Can the qaadi (judge) annul a marriage without the husband being present?

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
Is muslim qazi permitted to invoke the proceedings of khula on the unilateral initiation of woman living away from her husband in the absence of her husband?
(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)
Check below answers in case you are looking for other related questions:
The qaadi (judge) granted his wife an annulment of the marriage by khula‘ in his absence without his knowledge
He divorced her three times during a period of purity (tuhr) in which he had had intercourse with her

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Yes, that is permissible, because the qaadi (judge) has the authority to separate husband and wife and thus end the marriage if it is impossible for them to maintain a stable marriage and if the wife is being harmed by her husband’s neglect, whether it be sexual, economic or social. The qaadi should study each case on its own merits and look into the circumstances surrounding each case. The husband’s absence has no effect on the validity of the annulment.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.
Your brother and well wisher in Islam

Related Answers:
He said to his wife: “You are to me like my mother”
Does leaving one's wife for a long time count as divorce?
He divorced her via text message then he denied it or forgot
The qaadi (judge) granted his wife an annulment of the marriage by khula‘ in his absence without his knowledge
He divorced her three times during a period of purity (tuhr) in which he had had intercourse with her

Recommended answers for you:
Delaying ghusl from janaabah in Ramadaan until the sun has risen does not invalidate the fast
Ruling on shortening prayers whilst travelling
Braiding men’s hair
Ruling on drinking beer
Ruling on eye drops for one who is fasting