Now Reading: Supreme Court Extends Domestic Violence Protection to Live-In Women
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Supreme Court Extends Domestic Violence Protection to Live-In Women
The Supreme Court has ruled that women in live-in relationships “in the nature of marriage” cannot be denied protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, solely because they…
The Story in Brief
The Supreme Court has ruled that women in live-in relationships “in the nature of marriage” cannot be denied protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, solely because they lack a marriage certificate. The ruling allows them to seek protection, monetary relief and compensation for physical, emotional, verbal and economic abuse.
The decision acknowledges changing social patterns shaped by urbanisation, education, delayed marriage and greater economic independence. Yet live-in partners still lack clear legal rights on property, inheritance, maintenance, custody, succession, banking, insurance and visas. The editorial argues that the ruling closes one gap, but India still needs a broader legal framework for cohabiting couples and their children.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that live-in relationships always signal moral decline ignore the choices of consenting adults. But celebrating one court ruling as a complete solution is just as careless. Protection from domestic abuse does not settle property, maintenance or inheritance disputes, and courts will still have to decide which relationships qualify as being “in the nature of marriage”. The real test is whether women can secure remedies without years of litigation, while Parliament addresses the remaining legal gaps.
Source: telanganatoday.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
