Home / Current Issue / Paper 1716032
Live - in Relationships under Indian Law: A Socio - Legal Analysis
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Law
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716032
Abstract
Live-in relationships in India represent a shift from traditional marital norms towards individual autonomy and personal choice. Although not expressly codified, such relationships have received judicial recognition under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. However, this recognition coexists with persistent social stigma, creating a tension between constitutional morality and societal values. Judicial interpretation, particularly in D. Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal and Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma, has defined the scope of “relationships in the nature of marriage” and extended protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Recent High Court judgments (2020–2025) further reinforce the right of consenting adults to cohabit. This paper critically examines whether the existing legal framework adequately protects individuals, particularly women, and highlights the need for a comprehensive statutory regime.
References
[1] Constitution of India.
[2] Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
[3] Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 125 CrPC).
[4] Badri Prasad v. Deputy Director of Consolidation.
[5] S.P.S. Balasubramanyam v. Suruttayan.
[6] Tulsa v. Durghatiya.
[7] D. Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal.
[8] Chanmuniya v. Virendra Kumar Singh Kushwaha.
[9] Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma.
[10] Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India.
[11] Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M.
[12] Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India.
[13] Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh.
[14] Allahabad High Court - Protection of live-in couples (2025).
[15] Allahabad High Court - State obligation to protect (2025).
[16] Allahabad High Court - Interfaith live-in relationship (2026).
[17] Allahabad High Court - Married individuals & live-in disputes (2025-2026).
[18] Madras High Court - Women’s rights in live-in relationships (2026).
[19] Madhya Pradesh High Court - Consent and rape law in live-in cases (2024).
[20] Delhi High Court - Protection of live-in couples (2026).
[21] Rajasthan High Court - Adult couple protection (2025).
[22] Research Paper: Live-in Relationships under Indian Law: A Socio-Legal Analysis, Amity Law School, Lucknow.
[23] Law Commission of India Reports (relevant to marriage and family law reforms).
[24] Legal commentaries on Domestic Violence Act and live-in relationships.
[25] Articles on live-in relationships and constitutional morality.
[26] Family law and gender justice journals.
[27] Socio-legal studies on cohabitation in India.
How to cite this paper
@article{1716032,
author = {Shreya, Dr. Shiwalini Singh},
title = {Live - in Relationships under Indian Law: A Socio - Legal Analysis},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {574-578},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716032.pdf},
abstract = {Live-in relationships in India represent a shift from traditional marital norms towards individual autonomy and personal choice. Although not expressly codified, such relationships have received judicial recognition under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. However, this recognition coexists with persistent social stigma, creating a tension between constitutional morality and societal values. Judicial interpretation, particularly in D. Velusamy v. D. Patchaiammal and Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma, has defined the scope of “relationships in the nature of marriage” and extended protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Recent High Court judgments (2020–2025) further reinforce the right of consenting adults to cohabit. This paper critically examines whether the existing legal framework adequately protects individuals, particularly women, and highlights the need for a comprehensive statutory regime.},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716032}
}