Allahabad High Court Recognises Right of Adults in Live-In Relationships to Police Protection
Lexpedia · 17 December 2025 · 1 min read
The Allahabad High Court, through a Single Judge bench of Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, has ruled that live-in relationships, though not universally accepted, cannot be deemed “illegal” and individuals in such relationships are entitled to protection of life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Court allowed a batch of writ petitions filed by adult couples in live-in relationships seeking police protection against threats from family members. The bench held that the State cannot refuse to safeguard the life and liberty of consenting adults, even if they choose to cohabit without marriage.
While hearing the matter, the State had opposed the pleas, arguing that live-in relationships are merely contractual arrangements that could erode the “social fabric” of society. Justice Singh, however, disagreed, observing that the Supreme Court has consistently respected the autonomy of adults to choose their partners.
The judgment explicitly disapproved of a 2023 Division Bench order in Kiran Rawat v. State of U.P., which had described live-in relationships as a “social problem.” Referring to Supreme Court precedents including Lata Singh and S. Khushboo, the Court reiterated that no individual’s right to life and personal liberty can be denied for exercising their choice of partner.
Directions given to the Police Authorities:
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Police are directed to provide immediate protection to adult couples cohabiting voluntarily.
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Petitioners can approach the concerned Commissioner of Police/SSP/SP with a certified copy of the order if their peaceful living is disturbed.
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Verification of age and consent may be carried out through educational certificates or, where unavailable, ossification tests.
The ruling marks a progressive step in protecting the rights of adults in live-in relationships, reinforcing that the State has an obligation to protect individual liberty regardless of societal perceptions of marriage or cohabitation.
