Yes, a divorce petition can be filed in Chennai on the ground of chronic addiction, since Indian courts, following well-established Supreme Court precedent, have consistently held that habitual and incurable addiction to alcohol or narcotic drugs constitutes a valid ground for divorce under Section 13(1)(ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act.

To succeed on this ground, the addiction must be shown to be habitual rather than occasional, and courts generally expect it to have persisted for a continuous period, causing disruption to marital life, finances, or the safety of the petitioner and children. Medical records, rehabilitation attempts, police complaints, and witness testimony from family or neighbours are commonly relied upon as evidence.

Chennai Family Courts examine such petitions closely, since addiction cases often overlap with allegations of cruelty or financial neglect, and the court may consider all these grounds together rather than addiction in isolation, strengthening the overall petition.

Given the sensitivity involved in proving a spouse's addiction while protecting family privacy, it is essential to gather the right documentation early. Reaching out via Aapka Legal Advice can help you build a well-supported petition on this ground.

Because addiction-based petitions require careful medical and behavioural evidence, obtaining a second opinion from a retired judge on the strength of your case before filing can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Experienced divorce lawyers and retired judges are available through Aapka Legal Advice's Chennai divorce lawyer directory.

In conclusion, you can indeed file for divorce in Chennai on the ground of your spouse's chronic addiction, provided the addiction is proven to be habitual and its impact on the marriage is clearly established before the court.