Live-in Relationships: Supreme Court Verdict
March 24, 2010 witnessed a landmark verdict by the Supreme Court, legalizing live-in relationships in India. The Apex court justified that if two sound-minded adults of the opposite sex seek to live together without getting married the question of a “criminal offence” does not arise at all. It also cited the example of Lord Krishna and Radha’s relationship to substantiate its judgment.
This verdict was arrived at in response to multiple petitions filed against South Indian actress Khusboo. An astounding 22 FIRs were filed against the actress, in 2005, in response to her statement to an entertainment magazine about the rampancy of live-in relationships and pre-marital sex in India. Alarmingly, the actress’s effigies were burnt and life was threatened, for what reason? Exercising her fundamental right to speech?
The verdict is being widely criticized by certain political and social groups on the ground that it would encourage the practice of live-in relationships in India. Also, while Khusboo continues to receive widespread flak for her comments, the fact remains that live-in relationships have become a common (and practical) norm in most Indian Metros. If two adults choose to have physical relations, without a marriage certificate to reinforce the legality of their actions, it is nobody’s business but their own.
Legalizing of Live-in Relationships: A Final Word
The verdict of the Supreme Court is a welcome surprise, offering legal protection to individuals in a live-in relationship from the moral police and pseudo patrons of “Indian” culture in the nation. The SC bench, comprising of Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices BS Chauhan and Deepak Verma, has also retorted to opponents of the verdict that the couples in live-in relationships are as liable to be sued as the Apex court itself for passing the verdict.
As someone pointed out, the court is yet to deliver its verdict. The court only made some observations while reserving its judgement.
Even otherwise, the court can not 'legalise' live-in relationships. It can only rule the issues attract provisions of any laws. It is for the parliament to enact laws that would either 'legalise' ir 'illegalise', isn't it?
what is the problem if two peoples are living together...we cannot live by others choice..we are free to live in...if anyone has the problem than there are many issues in our country,,, they can talk on that like child marriage,poverty,illiteracy etc...and knowone has the right to look into others house and personal life..if he/she is adult and doing the concernt decision than they are free accoording to law...and those who are talking about indian culture than please look over your culture clearly,,,i have a question if anyone believe in GOD and also on CASTE or RELIGION than the people like this have no right to live on this earth,,proove yourself than comment....If GOD is there than no CASTE no RELIGION is there...its easy to find faults but look into yourself,,,
what is the status of the child born of live in relation.in such case one can also keep a prostitute for short duration in the indian society on the name of live in system
Many thanks for reading the LIG article and sharing this query with us.
In this case pertaining to the issue of live-in relationships, the Supreme Court has opined that if individuals of the opposite sex live together without getting married, the arrangement can not in any way be construed as an offence. Moreover, while it is the Indian Parliament that is authorized to enact a law, the Supreme Court has the power to interpret a law to its discretion and pass a verdict accordingly.
G8 amit iam totally in favor of u dude
@ Amit : What's wrong if someone is keeping prostitute in name of live-in either for long term or short term.. it's not our business..
even though prostitution is banned, but every where you can find it. if you can't curb it make it legal...
@atit
If someone is keeping a prostitue in name of live in, it does not come under this category, as this law clearly states that both the individuals should be willing to live together. Considering your case, if a person is willing to be a "prostitue" then its his/her choice. But let me make one thing clear. Every law is made keeping something good in mind. Its upto the coutnry men following that law to ensure that its sanctity is maintained and the law is not used for any derogatory reasons for personal benefits. I feel that like the freedom of speech, every indian citizen should be free to stay wherever WITH WHOM SO EVER he/she wants provided that the other person is also willing to do the same. Dont bring the cultural crap in this.
Moreover, According to our culture, child marriage was a righteous way, wife burning was a righteous way, but all these are now illegal. Things need to change because of the betterment of the nation, because of the betterment of the society and the betterment of every individual.
it is a right of every adult person male or female to take a decision of their life.but it is important to take in to concidaration that what's about the children's who are bgotton through live in relationshiop even the married couple overlooks their legitimate child in their contravercy.Family is the basic unit of the which is needed for the peaceful socity and to well nurishment of children. The marriage is not only for the sextual satisfication its main aim to seeks a protection of the children. Our Indian culture is not depent upon the "BHOG" It's ephasys on the"TYAGA" SO my openion is that it adversly affects the basic unit of our socity i.e. family in which we get love ,,courage etc.
Is there any Law in India passed yet for live in Relations?.I want to ask this bcoz I was in live in relation with a girl from 2003 till 2007 But that girl has no character as she was sleeping with other Guys also all this time and now that girl is forcing me to marry her saying that I will sue you coz live in relation for so long is equal to marriage,So I want to ask is there any Law for Live in Till Date and what is that? and Law applied After 2007 will also be applied for case before 2007?...Please Help as i am in some serious trouble,Thanks in advance
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