Now Reading: Delhi HC calls live-in relationship akin to marriage, grants protection
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Delhi HC calls live-in relationship akin to marriage, grants protection
Delhi HC calls live-in relationship akin to marriage, grants protection
The Delhi High Court has held that a live-in relationship between consenting adults is akin to marriage, and parents or friends cannot interfere with their choice. Justice Saurabh Banerjee granted police protection to a couple in their 30s who faced threats from the woman's family. The couple, living together and intending to marry, had complained to police but got no action. The court said societal morals and prejudices cannot curtail fundamental rights under the Constitution.
In a separate but related development, the Delhi High Court on Thursday questioned the Centre for not responding for over a year to a petition seeking legal recognition for same-sex partners as medical representatives during treatment. The Economic Times reports that a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that if same-sex couples are allowed to live together, rules should reflect that reality. The court noted existing laws recognise live-in relationships between a man and a woman, and asked why the same would not apply to same-sex couples. The matter is listed for further hearing on September 17.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both sources report on related but distinct high court actions regarding live-in relationships. Times of India frames the Delhi HC's protection order as a strong affirmation of individual choice against family interference, using phrases like "akin to marriage" and quoting the judge's constitutional reasoning. The Economic Times, covering a separate same-sex rights petition, leads with the Centre's year-long delay and the court's pointed questioning, highlighting the government's inaction. The neutral reading: the judiciary is expanding recognition of live-in relationships, but the Centre's silence on same-sex recognition remains a key gap. The next concrete date is September 17, when the court will hear the same-sex case again.
Coverage: 2 sources, 1 government-critical, 1 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), economictimes.indiatimes.com (government critical)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
