Protecting couples in a ‘Live-in-relationship’ is the responsibility of the Government – Allahabad High Court

(A live-in relationship means a man and woman living together without being married)

Laxmanpuri (Uttar Pradesh) – Live-in relationships cannot be called ‘Illegal’ and a man living together with a woman without marriage is not a violation of the dignity of marriage. The Allahabad High Court opined that giving protection to couples in live-in relationships is the responsibility of the Government. Some women living in live-in relationships had filed petitions in the Court. The Court recorded this opinion during the hearing of these 12 petitions. The Division Bench of Justice Vivek Kumar Singh gave this verdict.

1. The High Court stated that the Government should provide immediate protection if anyone tries to disturb these women while they are leading a peaceful life.

2. The High Court also stated that the State Government was bound to protect every citizen and could not deprive couples in live-in relationships of their fundamental rights.

3. The petitions filed by women in live-in relationships had sought protection as their lives were in danger. They were facing threats from their family members.

4. The petitioners also stated that they had approached the police in their Districts seeking protection; however, the police ignored their demands.