Table of Contents
Definition of Live in Relationship
It is defined as an arrangement in which an unmarried couple lives together in a long term relationship resembling marriage without being registered as a married couple.
Adult unmarried couple where the boy has not attained marriageable age
In Nandakumar vs The State of Kerala (2018), the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that an adult couple where the boy has not attained marriageable age are free to live together. The Freedom of choice is given to the partners and if the co-habit willingly there is no law prohibiting them from doing so.
Catergories of Live-in Relationships
In the case of Indra Sarma vs. V.K.V.Sarma (2013) the Supreme Court illustrated five categories which live-in relationships fall under. These grounds can considered and proved in the court of law.
- A domestic relationship between an unmarried adult male and an adult female.
- A domestic relationship between a married man and an adult unmarried woman, entered knowingly.
- A domestic relationship between an adult unmarried man and a married woman, entered knowingly.
- A domestic relationship between an unmarried adult female and a married male, entered unknowingly
- A domestic relationship between same sex partners. However, in case of such a relationship no relief is given under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
Legality
In the case of S. Khushboo v. Kanniammal (2011), it was held by the Supreme Court that a live in relationship comes within the ambit of right of life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and is legal and valid in the country.
It was stated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Indra Sarma vs. V.K.V.Sarma (2013) that a live in relationship will fall under Section 2(f) of the Protection of women Against Domestic Violence Act, 2005 within the expression “relationship in the nature of marriage.” It also said that there needs to be a close analysis of the relationship and all the facets must be taking into account, interpersonal and individual.
It stated certain indicative factors which can indicate if a relationship exists between 2 persons or not. However, they are not essential.
- The duration of the relationship
- Common residence – its nature and extent
- Existence of a sexual relationship
- Degree of financial independence and any arrangements between them for financial support
- Use of property they own individually
- Intention and Conduct of the parties
- Care and support of Children
- Representation in Public, if they are considered as a couple or not
Right to maintenance
In the case of D.Velusamy vs. D.Patchaiammal (2010) the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that if a couple fulfils the requisites for the live in relationship to be considered valid then it can amount to a relationship in the nature of marriage and the benefit of the Section 26 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 can be availed by the woman. However, such a decision will be based specifically on facts and circumstances of each case. The Court must be satisfied with the evidence produced before it.
Legitimacy of children and their Right to Property
In the case of Badri Prasad v. Dy. Director of Consolidation and Ors. [AIR 1978 SC 1557] the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that “Law leans in favour of legitimacy and frowns upon bastardy.”
In the case of Tulsa & Ors vs. Durghatiya & Ors (2008) legal status was provided to the children born from a live in relationship. The main condition to this was that the parents must have lived under one roof and co-habited for a considerably long time for society to recognize them as husband and wife. It should not be a casual relationship in the nature of “walk-in and walk out” which is missing the essential factors like co-habitation, support and commitment. It also held that children born out of a live in relationship have a right to property. A relationship solely for sexual purposes does not constitute a live-in relationship.
Adoption in a live in relationship
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) withdrew a notice prohibiting couples in a live-in relationship from adopting children. If a couple is mentally, physically and financially stable to raise a child, the application for adoption is considered. However, a same sex couple is still not allowed to adopt a child.
Conclusion
The globalization of society and increased independence in work life has inevitably increased the number of live in relationships in India. However, the concept of a live in relationship is not new to India as even the Vedas mention a ‘Gandharva Marriage’ which closely resembles a live-in relationship. In India, the view taken by Courts is also in conformity with the same as the women and children have been entitled to maintenance and other rights which would ordinarily be available if the couple was married. The social acceptability of live-in relationships is still a major factor; however, the view taken by the Courts is progressive and seeks to provide protection to couples in a live in relationship.