Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj
Prayagraj, Dec 19: The Allahabad High Court has made it clear that live-in relationships, though not socially accepted by all sections, are not illegal under Indian law, and directed the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to 12 live-in couples who claimed they were facing threats from their families.
The order was passed on December 17, 2025, by Justice Vivek Kumar Singh while hearing petitions filed by 12 women from different districts of Uttar Pradesh. The petitioners told the court that their choice to live with their partners had put their lives at risk, forcing them to seek judicial intervention.
Observing that living together without marriage is not a criminal offence, the court said that when two consenting adults choose to stay together, no third party—including family members or society—has the right to interfere in their personal lives.
Referring to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the court noted that the law recognises and safeguards women in domestic relationships, even if they are not legally married. The Act, the court pointed out, does not restrict protection only to wives, thereby extending its scope to women in live-in relationships as well.
Justice Singh emphasised that once two adults decide to live together, they are entitled to live peacefully and with dignity. It is the constitutional duty of the State to ensure the protection of life and personal liberty of every citizen, irrespective of their marital status.
The court further observed that fundamental rights such as dignity, safety and personal freedom are not dependent on marriage. Being unmarried does not deprive an individual of constitutional protection.
It also highlighted that Indian law allows a presumption of marriage in cases where a couple has lived together for a long period in a relationship resembling marriage, a principle mainly evolved to safeguard the interests of women and children.
Taking note of these legal principles, the High Court directed the authorities concerned to ensure adequate protection to the couples who had approached the court.