Yes, an illiterate spouse can seek to set aside an ex parte divorce decree passed in Chennai by claiming genuine ignorance of the proceedings, since Indian courts, following well-established Supreme Court precedent, have consistently held that decrees obtained without proper service or awareness of the litigant violate principles of natural justice.

However, mere illiteracy alone is not automatically sufficient — the applicant must demonstrate that summons were not properly served, that they were unaware of the proceedings through no fault of their own, and that they acted promptly upon learning of the decree by filing an application for its recall under the applicable procedural law.

Chennai Family Courts examine service records, process server reports, and any affidavits of knowledge carefully in such applications, and illiteracy is treated as a relevant factor supporting genuine ignorance rather than a standalone ground, particularly where no literate family member could reasonably have informed the party.

Given how time-sensitive applications to set aside an ex parte decree are, it is critical to act quickly upon discovering the judgment and gather evidence supporting genuine lack of knowledge. Reaching out via Aapka Legal Advice can help you file a timely and well-supported application.

Because such applications require careful proof of improper service and genuine unawareness, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on your specific facts can significantly improve your chances of success. Experienced divorce lawyers and retired judges are available through Aapka Legal Advice's Chennai divorce lawyer directory.

In conclusion, an illiterate spouse can indeed claim ignorance to challenge an ex parte divorce decree in Chennai, provided the lack of proper service and genuine unawareness are clearly established before the court.