“We are not against live-in relations,” said Justice Dr. Kaushal Jayendra Thaker and Justice Ajai Tyagi, ordering in favour of the two women who filed a petition for court-granted protection to live together.
The couple were reportedly living in fear of harassment from their families, who threatened to kill the women if they chose to be together – even going as far as to falsely accuse them of criminal activities.
After hearing their plea, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the women be provided police protection after a thorough examination of their documents.
The conservative nature towards live-in relationships in India has been a major ongoing struggle for many consenting adults who wish to live together. With the constant fear of judgement and harassment, many LGBTQ+ and interfaith couples find it extremely hard to find liveable dwelling. But with the Indian High Court declaring that,
“The live-in relationship is required to be viewed from the lens of personal autonomy arising out of the right to live guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, rather than, notions of social morality.”
couples can rest assured that the largest jurisdiction in India is willing to support their decision to live together.