By Hemant Sharma In India particularly among youngsters in cities more and more unmarried couples have chosen to live together in a live-in relationship. But a question that comes frequently that: Whether Is it legal to live together in India? The Answer is Yes.
In Indian two adult with consent can live together, but the laws that regulates such kinds of relationship come with some restrictions and interpretations that everyone should know about.
Constitutional Recognition:
Article 21 of the Constitution says that everyone has the right to life and personal liberties. This includes those who live together in India. The Supreme Court and High Courts have determined many times that adults should have the right to pick their partners and live together without getting married. This recognition keeps couples safe from crimes like “cohabitation” or “morality-related” offenses, which don’t apply when the relationship is voluntary.
The Domestic Violence Act protects women.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005, is one of the most essential legal legislation in India that affects live-in relationships. The Act covers “relationships in the nature of marriage,” it means that women who are in live-in relationships are protected by law from abuse, financial exploitation and harassment. This means that if the relationship is like a marriage in terms of commitment, living together and how long it continues, a woman may ask for maintenance and protection.
Not all live-in relationships are eligible.
Indian courts have made it very clear that not every live-in situation is inevitably a “relationship in the nature of marriage.” Short term relationships, secret affairs that are not stable or have a clear purpose do not have the same legal protection. The duration of the partnership, responsibility, social acceptance and the couple’s behavior are all important factors in deciding legal rights.
Legitimacy of Children Born from the Live-In Relationships:
Another essential thing to consider about the kids who are born from both parents who live together as live-in. Indian courts have clarified several times that these kids are legal and have the right to inherit their parents’ wealth. This clear legal status helps get rid of the social judgement that usually comes with having children with people who aren’t married.
Legal Acceptance vs. Social Acceptance of Relationship
Though its legal but it still not accepted in our society. In different parts of India, live-in relationships are still seen as a crime or cultural wrong, which can cause social pressure and even family fights. Even while the law protects consenting adults, couples can still have trouble with things like finding a place to rent, dealing with moral supervision or managing social criticism. These problems are more about social norms than legislative impediments.
Conclusion:
In India, it is completely legal for those adults who live together without getting married. The law protects both parties, mainly women and gives their children born from these relationship a legal status. Legal acknowledgement is strong but social acceptance is still growing.
Those couples who choose this path need to remember their rights and duties. As India becomes more modern, live-in relationships are becoming very common as a way to show freedom and partnership and they are completely supported by the Constitution of India.