Allahabad High Court’s Landmark Ruling on Live-in Relationships
Historic Judgment by allahabad High Court
The allahabad high court delivered a landmark judgment affirming that live-in relationships are not illegal under indian law.
The ruling provides significant relief and legal protection to adult couples choosing to live together without marriage.
Bench and Case Details
The decision was passed by a single bench of Justice vivek Kumar Singh.
The court heard 12 writ petitions together, including one filed by a petitioner named Akanksha.
All petitioners were adults who approached the court seeking protection of their life and liberty.
Right to Choose One’s Partner
The court clearly stated that an adult has the freedom to live with a person of their choice.
Family members, relatives, or society have no legal authority to interfere in the peaceful life of consenting adults.
Personal choices regarding relationships fall within the private domain of individuals.
Live-in Relationships Not a Crime
The court emphasized that live-in relationships cannot be termed a crime, even if society does not approve of them.
Social acceptance is not a condition for enjoying fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Denying protection solely because a couple is unmarried is unconstitutional.
Importance of Article 21
The judgment highlighted Article 21 of the indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
The court said this right is paramount and applies equally to married and unmarried adults.
Petitioners cannot be deprived of constitutional protection due to personal lifestyle choices.
State’s Constitutional Responsibility
The high court held that protecting the life and liberty of adult couples is a fundamental duty of the state.
Law enforcement authorities must ensure safety when couples face threats or harassment.
The state cannot refuse protection on moral or social grounds.
Rejection of State Government’s Argument
The court rejected the argument that live-in relationships weaken the social fabric.
It also dismissed the claim that providing security would impose an illegal burden on the state.
Constitutional obligations cannot be avoided based on social opinions.
Broader Impact of the Judgment
The ruling strengthens individual freedom, dignity, and autonomy.
It reinforces the principle that constitutional morality overrides social morality.
The decision sets an important precedent for protecting adult couples across society.
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