Yes, a Christian spouse can file for divorce on grounds of desertion under Section 10 of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, which governs matrimonial matters for Christians in India, with desertion referring to the intentional and permanent abandonment of one spouse by the other without reasonable cause and without consent, continuing for a statutory period.

Under the amended provisions applicable to Christian marriages, desertion must typically be established for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the filing of the divorce petition. The deserted spouse must prove both the factual separation and the deserting spouse's intention to permanently end the marital relationship, which courts assess through evidence such as absence of communication, lack of financial support, separate residences, and any explicit statements indicating an intent not to return.

To file for divorce on grounds of desertion, the petition must be presented before the family court having jurisdiction over the parties' last shared residence or the petitioner's current residence, accompanied by evidence substantiating the desertion — including witness testimony, absence of cohabitation records, and correspondence, or lack thereof, between the parties. The court examines whether the desertion was without just cause, since desertion induced by the petitioner's own conduct typically does not qualify as a valid ground.

Given that desertion cases often hinge on establishing a continuous timeline and clear intent, it is important to consult experienced family law practitioners early to compile the necessary evidentiary trail before filing. Reaching out via Aapka Legal Advice can help you document the two-year threshold properly and build a legally defensible case.

If the deserting spouse later contests the petition, a second legal opinion from a retired judge can help assess whether your evidence meets the statutory threshold before trial. Christian spouses seeking representation can connect with specialised divorce lawyers and retired judges through Aapka Legal Advice's divorce lawyer network, many of whom have direct experience with Indian Divorce Act proceedings.

In conclusion, desertion remains a well-established and viable ground for Christian spouses to file for divorce, provided the two-year continuous separation and clear intent to abandon the marriage can be credibly demonstrated through proper evidence.