Delhi High Court Grants Protection to Live-In Couple, Calls Bond Akin to Marriage

The Delhi High Court has granted police protection to a live-in couple facing threats from family members, ruling that a consensual live-in relationship between adults is akin to marriage and neither parents nor friends have the authority to interfere in their personal choices.

In an order passed on August 13, Justice Saurabh Banerjee held that consenting adults possess all rights to choose and reside with a partner of their choice without hindrance, intimidation, or threats to their life and liberty.

The order came on a petition filed by a couple in their 30s who informed the court that they had been living together for some time and intended to marry each other. However, the woman's father and brother opposed the relationship and were constantly threatening the couple with violence. The petitioners approached the High Court after receiving no assistance from the local Station House Officer following a formal complaint.

Addressing the situation, the court observed that marriages are recognised irrespective of caste, creed, colour, religion, or faith. Justice Banerjee stated that curtailing fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution on the basis of societal morals and prejudices amounts to a deprivation of an individual's identity.

The court emphasised that because the petitioners willingly and consensually chose to enter into a live-in relationship, nobody, including their parents, relatives, or friends, has the right to cause any hindrance or threaten their life and liberty.

The bench further noted that the Supreme Court has established that adults have an unfettered right to live together regardless of wedlock. The court added that live-in relationships have gained legal sanctity and recognition under statutes such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.