Live-in couples deserve same protection as married ones

The Punjab and Haryana high court has made it clear that an individual has the right to formalise the relationship with the partner through marriage or adopt non-formal approach of a live-in relationship.

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Living together without being married is not illegal. Many people have chosen this way of life for various reasons.

However, health and safety rules do require that living together should be treated as a formal relationship, thereby making it subject to protection by the laws of the land.

The high court also clarified that a couple living in a live-in relationship has the same right of protection that a married couple has.

On the contention that a live-in relationship is not legal and is frowned upon by society, the high court held that the “life and liberty of every individual is precious and must be protected irrespective of individual views.”

Such a relationship is not prohibited under the law nor does it amount to commission of any offence. The HC also directed the concerned SP to ensure the couple is protected and no harm comes either to the lives or liberty of the petitioners.