In a significant ruling that reinforces personal liberty, the Allahabad High Court has held that the fundamental right to life and personal security under Article 21 of the Constitution stands above marital status. The court has extended protective measures to couples in live-in relationships, affirming their legal standing.
Court's Landmark Observations on Live-in Relationships
The judgment was delivered by a single bench comprising Justice Vivek Kumar Singh. The bench addressed the societal perception of live-in arrangements head-on. Justice Singh acknowledged that the concept of a live-in relationship might not find universal social acceptance. However, he made a crucial legal distinction, stating that such lack of social approval does not translate to illegality.
The court explicitly ruled that a live-in relationship cannot be deemed an illegal act. Furthermore, cohabiting without the formal sanctity of marriage does not constitute a criminal offence. This clarification from the bench provides a robust legal shield to consenting adults choosing this form of partnership.
Details and Context of the Ruling
The order was pronounced on 18 December 2025. The case likely involved a plea from a live-in couple seeking protection, possibly from familial or societal threats, which is a common reason for such petitions. By granting protection, the High Court has directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and liberty of the petitioners.
The court's reasoning hinges on a broad interpretation of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The judgment interprets this right to include the freedom to choose one's partner and mode of relationship, provided it is between consenting adults. This aligns with a growing judicial trend of recognizing the autonomy of individuals in their private lives.
Implications and Future Consequences
This ruling has several immediate and long-term implications. Firstly, it sets a strong precedent for other live-in couples in Uttar Pradesh and beyond who may seek judicial intervention for their safety. Police authorities are now bound by this order to act on requests for protection from such couples.
Secondly, the judgment continues the progressive evolution of Indian jurisprudence on personal relationships. It legally separates the concept of social morality from criminal law, emphasizing that the state's role is not to enforce traditional relationship norms but to protect the rights of individuals.
Finally, the order may encourage more open discourse on the need for a comprehensive legal framework for live-in relationships in India, addressing aspects like maintenance, inheritance, and domestic violence, which are currently covered under some laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, but remain a grey area in others.
The Allahabad High Court's clear stance ensures that the right to life with dignity and personal liberty is paramount, effectively placing it above the formal label of marriage. This decision is a reaffirmation of constitutional values in the face of evolving social realities.
