Court observes rise in legal disputes post Supreme Court’s recognition of live-in partnerships
The Allahabad High Court has observed that live-in relationships are in conflict with the values of Indian middle-class society and often result in legal disputes, disproportionately impacting women. The observation came while granting bail to a man accused of sexually exploiting a woman on the false pretext of marriage.
Justice Siddharth, while delivering the order, remarked,
“This Court finds that after live-in-relationship has been legalized by the Apex Court, the Court had fed up such cases. These cases are coming to the Court because the concept of live-in-relationship is against the settled law in the Indian Middle Class Society.”
The Court added that women are the worst sufferers in such arrangements, as it becomes difficult for them to find a life partner after a breakup.
“The concept of live-in-relationship goes against the interest of the women since a man can marry even after live-in-relationship (with) a woman or number of women but it is difficult for the women to find a life partner after a breakup.”
The case involved Shane Alam, who was booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the POCSO Act. According to the complaint, Alam engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim by falsely promising marriage, but later refused to marry her. The informant’s counsel, Madhu Yadav, submitted that the victim’s future prospects had been gravely damaged.
While granting bail, the Court reflected on the broader social consequences of live-in relationships, stating that although the youth is increasingly attracted to the idea, the “adverse after-effects” are becoming evident in legal proceedings like this one.
Case: Shane Alam vs State – Available on LAWFYI.IO
