Live-In Relationships & The Law In India

Live-in relationships are rising in India, but the law still treats them differently from marriage.

[{"selector":"#anim-a034a2c8-ed60-42b4-9bfa-3198c7398c8e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Modern Love, Legal Dilemma

Courts say live-in partnerships are lawful, but they don’t carry the same rights as wedlock.

[{"selector":"#anim-ecfd358b-7104-450e-90b4-0f623172fd66 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-8.252821351710416%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Legal But Not Marriage

The Supreme Court shields consenting couples from police and social harassment.

[{"selector":"#anim-a482d42d-f10b-45de-b854-2975133e9b98 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-8.154176998196554%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Supreme Court Protection

Under the Domestic Violence Act, women in live-ins can claim protection from abuse.

[{"selector":"#anim-d0ef3cac-c8ba-4b6d-b4fd-19993b03ee01 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.816357200416817%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Women’s Legal Safeguards

Unlike married spouses, live-in partners don’t get automatic rights over each other’s property.

[{"selector":"#anim-b54ce9ae-34e6-43a4-8e49-ce95db696836 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(4.139610451306876%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Kids born out of live-ins are considered legitimate and enjoy inheritance rights.

[{"selector":"#anim-504cf98f-96c8-4583-8863-73a73d15fb84 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0.006060026641751306%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Despite legal recognition, couples often face stigma from families and communities.

[{"selector":"#anim-45be823f-06e4-4f8d-8711-a8ef573f8930 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Indian law is slowly adapting, but society needs to move faster to accept modern relationships.

[{"selector":"#anim-12e67e40-f1e5-4a23-9d11-1ff58e6a2f62 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-22.088068012670043%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]