THE NEW FAD OF LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS IN INDIA

Abstract

This paper talks about the evolution of the concept of ‘live-in relationship’ (also known as ‘cohabitation’) in India. It focusses on the very idea as to how live-in relationships got imbibed into the Indian society and became a part of its culture. It moves on to describe and explain the concept of live-in relationship and how it is distinct from the sacred institution of marriage. There are no laws in our country as such to regulate live-in relationships. However, this paper will throw light on various legislations and enactments that safeguard the interests of the partners in a live-in relationship. Some of the rights discussed are the maintenance and the inheritance rights of the woman in a live-in relationship and those of the child or children born out of such relationships. The Supreme Court has dealt with a plethora of cases, wherein it has discussed whether cohabitation or live-in relationship is valid or lawful. The research deals with some of the important and landmark judgements that have contributed significantly to determine the legality and constitutionality of cohabitation as well as the rights of the children born out of a live-in relationship. Finally, an attempt is made to assess the situation of the couples in a live-in relationship during the time of this ongoing pandemic. The research was carried out with the objective of finding out the current legal position and the status of live-in relationships in India, the laws enacted for its protection, and the rights of the parties arising out of such relationship. The research strictly confines itself to the relationship between heterosexual couples. This paper has neither been published, nor has been sent for publication elsewhere.