Delhi HC: Live-in akin to marriage, parents can’t interfere

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 or threaten their lives. Justice Saurabh Banerjee granted police protection to a couple in their 30s who faced threats from the woman's family.

The court observed that as consenting adults, they had all rights to choose and reside with a partner of their choice without interference. The judge noted that marriages are recognised regardless of caste, creed, colour, religion or faith, and curtailing fundamental rights by societal morals and prejudices was a deprivation of individual identity.

The couple told the court they had lived together for a while and intended to marry. The woman's father and brother allegedly opposed the relationship and threatened violence. The couple said they approached the local police but no action was taken. The court noted live-in relationships have sanctity in law, recognised under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.