Yes, a party who has filed for mutual consent divorce in Chennai can withdraw their consent before the decree is passed, since Indian courts, following well-established Supreme Court precedent, have consistently held that mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act must exist not just at the time of filing but right up to the moment the decree is granted.

If either spouse withdraws consent between the First Motion and Second Motion, the Family Court cannot compel that party to proceed, and the petition is treated as having lapsed rather than resulting in a forced divorce. This protects the voluntary character of mutual consent proceedings, which distinguishes them fundamentally from contested divorce.

Chennai Family Courts examine whether the withdrawal is genuine and not the result of undue pressure from the other side, and will record the withdrawing party's statement carefully before closing the petition, after which the other spouse must pursue a contested divorce if they wish to proceed further.

Given how easily a mutual consent petition can collapse if one party changes their mind, it is essential to have a properly drafted settlement and legal strategy in place from the outset. Reaching out via Aapka Legal Advice can help you secure your position whether you are the one seeking to withdraw or the one facing a withdrawal.

Because such reversals often lead to prolonged contested litigation, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on your options at this stage can help you decide the best way forward. Experienced divorce lawyers and retired judges are available through Aapka Legal Advice's Chennai divorce lawyer directory.

In conclusion, a mutual divorce in Chennai can indeed be challenged or withdrawn by the very party who filed it, provided this is done before the decree is passed, since consent must remain voluntary and continuous throughout the proceedings.